I have struggled with anxiety for most of my life.  I am terrified of any kind of change that might disrupt my normal daily habits and routines because those changes bring the unknown into my world.  Those changes might permanently change how I behave and who I spend time with.

The anxiety, on the worst days, causes me to become physically ill and prevents me from doing things that I was looking forward to like going to lunch and a movie with a friend.  On better days it can impact my work because I begin to feel left out of decisions at work (where I am a manager) and feel like every discussion behind closed doors is about me.

I see a therapist about the anxiety and have had it under control several times.  However, it still manages to rear its ugly head from time to time. 

My anxiety has cost me so much in life in missed opportunities.  I have missed out on potential jobs because I did not want to take the chance.  I have rejected opportunities in my personal life because of my anxiety.  I am stuck in cycle of staying home on my couch because that is the “safe” thing to do that prevents my anxiety.