Anxiety

You show up every time there is an important moment

Though, I don’t understand how your invitation never gets lost

There you are, at public speaking events, in a front row seat

other times, you seat comfortably when exam time comes around

*

They say that your presence can be normal

It’s when you show up in excess that it becomes a disease

When you begin to take over my thinking

Consuming my mind, preventing me from accomplishing anything

*

Sweat beads form and slide down my skin

My heart wants to leap right through my chest

Moisture leaves my mouth and muscles tense

Numbness and tingling take over my limbs

*

Are you there to stop me from excelling in life?

Bombarding my mind with unwanted thoughts and fears

Just know that you can no longer keep me captive

I refuse to remain a victim, allowing you to control my body

*

Now, whenever you show up your visit is temporary

I remind myself to take a deep breath and exhale

I ask you to stay, but I know you won’t

You only take a seat when I’m destined to fail

...

Anxiety is one of the leading mental health problems in the world, affecting someone both mentally and physically. It is characterized by the presence of tension, worried thoughts and physical changes such as an increase in blood pressure. It is not easily shrugged off. It’s a natural response when it makes you more productive but when it becomes disruptive, then its presence is no longer normal.

If you believe that your anxiety is not normal, please talk to someone and seek help. My hope is that we each can find something that helps us continue to find happiness in our journey through life.

Thank you for reading. This poem was first published here.