How Anxiety Can Make Us Better People

Being “tuned-in” is our superpower!

Image by Eleonora Patricola on Unsplash

When we suffer from anxiety, it can be debilitating. It can affect our lives in ways that are negative and poisonous. However, when harnessed, I believe it also gives us an advantage.

I have had anxiety for several years, it peaked when an ex-boyfriend went to fight in Afghanistan with the military. Initially, I did not know what was happening. I worried about everything! This continued even after he came back safe. It was as if I looked for things to worry about. Worrying can be addictive and it is almost like a maze in your mind you cannot escape. I was diagnosed with anxiety, received medical treatment, and sought therapy.

In regards to mental health issues, getting treatment always improves your life. Anxiety never fully goes away, its always there lurking in the background. By thinking positive, I have learned to see the benefits of being hyper-aware.

I have noticed that my anxiety has taught me empathy. Also, I am more productive and proactive. Perhaps I am putting a silver lining on my struggle. However, once I changed my way of viewing it, anxiety has improved my life in many ways.

If you suffer from anxiety, you may not notice yourself growing after treatment and your anxiety becoming a part of who you are. It is changing the way you look at life.

“When life gives you lemons, you make lemonade!”- Elbert Hubbard

Here are a few ways our anxiety makes us more productive, compassionate, and empathetic:

• We plan our outings: Typically, our traffic routes are planned before we even leave our homes. Other drivers make us nervous (or angry) on the roads, so we plan all of our stops and exactly what routes we are going to take to avoid congested areas. This usually results in less swearing and an overall stress-free day. We are never late to appointments, work, and other obligations. We owe this to planning our route every time.
• Parenting: We notice hazards and possible accidents and prevent them before they happen. That chair in the way while your little one is on the warpath? Moved. The door to the stairs they could fall down? it is NEVER left open. We scan the room constantly and remove any dangerous items, resulting in…