30 Women Get Real About What It's Like to Live With Anxiety—And How They Cope

Health

26."I have terrible anxiety, especially in large groups of people. I get nauseous and my heart races and I feel dizzy. Exercise definitely helps but there are times nothing seems to control it. When I have to go to school for kids parties or performances it's the worst. I feel like everyone is looking at me and thinks I'm this horrible human being. I feel like they're judging my weight or my clothes or whatever. I know it's ridiculous and it sounds ridiculous to me even saying this but in the moment it's happening it is very real and extremely uncomfortable and all I want to do is get the hell out of there. Sometimes the only way I can get through the school party is by taking an anti-anxiety pill."—Katie H., 38, Arvada, CO

27."During the day, it's a sense of being totally overwhelmed by all the little things like laundry, dishes, bills, etc. It gets to where I don't even know where to start and then my heart starts to race and I can't breath. It's suffocating, paralyzing fear. Fear of failing, disappointing, or just not living up to my potential. Then at night, sometimes it's like I have three conversations going on at once, with thoughts, ideas, and what ifs racing around my brain. I feel scattered and frantic and I can't stop it."—Janette K., 37, Gainesville, FL

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