With the rise of social media, stress from school and changes in hormones, teenage anxiety simultaneously rises. Our lives are moving fast and soon we will be thrown into the world to figure it out. Why would you not be anxious? I am one of these people, but with an additional kick of overthinking.

In middle school, my friends would tell me they had anxiety or were feeling anxious. I had gotten used to the phrase, but thinking it was only related to stress or being afraid to be around people. For the longest time, I assumed I was just shy, but after starting therapy in my sophomore year, I found out that I do indeed have high anxiety and social anxiety. My anxiety does not mean I simply do not want to talk to people; it just means I feel behind. I get drained easily and I do not often ask my teachers for help. Because I lack self advocacy, I am not told to push myself.

 No one is trying to make me feel this way; it just happens.

A big source of stress for me is college. Since childhood, questions about our future have been prominent. Yet, growing up, I never had an answer. Now that I have somewhat found an answer, the new question is: can I get into college?

I have done theater and Girl Scouts since elementary school, and I am part of the journalism class. Aside from that, I have never played a sport, never volunteered and do not have a job. Sports have always seemed out of my reach. Not because I am scared of getting hit with a soccer ball, but because of the team and competitive nature of sports. As a high schooler, everyone takes their sports so seriously, which makes it easy to get scared or intimidated. The competitive nature of society in and of itself is unnerving; it makes you feel like an imposter. Additionally, to be a good team member, you have to trust and lean on your teammates. Having to constantly build relationships with at least seven other people is so emotionally draining for me, and is part of the reason why I struggle with anxiety. 

Through my experiences, I have tips for those in the same boat. Find an extracurricular you can commit to. Personally, I chose theater. I have been in eight productions at FHS, part of the Thespian troupe and planning to be in productions till graduation. Playing a character helps me escape my anxiety, so I play as many characters as I can. I have also known some of my castmates since middle school and have had years to build relationships. It drains me sometimes, but I have never quit. Even after panic attacks or self-doubt, acting continues to attract me. 

I know that having anxiety can hold you back from your true potential and everything you want to achieve. It makes the future scary because you do not know what would have happened if you actually did the things you wanted to do. I quit dancing because of the toxic and draining environment of ballet, but now that I think back, I loved dancing. So where would I be if I had stuck with it? If I had not sworn off piano at such a young age because of how much I hated my teacher, would I have had the desire to take on other instruments earlier? 

If you cannot get yourself to do the extracurriculars and activities you see your classmates doing, that is okay. You do not need to burn out trying to do everything. Do what you can. Mental health is not something to ignore or use to define someone.