Stress

Show of hands for how many of y'all felt like you couldn't share your problems with people because you felt like your problems were insignificant compared to theirs? Ah, that's what I figured. I'm right there with you. 

There have been numerous times that I hadn't shared my problems or feelings because I felt like they weren't as important as the struggles that someone else was going through. It frustrates me because on one hand I feel like my problems matter just as much as theirs even if they seem insignificant. On the other hand I feel like I shouldn't be complaining about anything because I have it "good" compared to what they are dealing with. 

Now let me tell you something. It's bull!

We all need to vent. It's healthy to vent. If we didn't we would all explode like a soda that had been shaken. All the pressure builds up and then Ka-Boom! 

Each individual has their own issues that they are dealing with and just because one's seems like nothing to worry about, it doesn't mean that it doesn't cause them tremendous amounts of stress or heartache. It's kind of like... Pain tolerance. Each of has a pain threshold different from one another. Some can take more pain than others and visa versa. It's the same with stress. Each one of us has different stress levels. We also have different stressors. (something that causes mental strain). 

There was a time where I had said to someone that I was super stressed out because my dog was injured and I had to take her to the vet and that I was strapped for cash and I was worried I might not be able to get my dog help. 

Said person just looked at me like I was crazy. They had told me that if that's all that I had to be stressed about than I had it easy because that's nothing compared to what they are going through.

After that incident I felt like I couldn't share things anymore because what did I have to be complaining about, right? 

The whole rest of the day I was in a funk and didn't talk much because I thought that if I said something then that person would just have something to say back. 

Later on, I finally told myself that that was unacceptable for me to feel that way. I have a right to be stressed as much as anyone else does! It doesn't matter how mundane they think my reason is, I am ALLOWED to be stressed! 

The moral of the story is that it's okay to be stressed. If, at any point in time, something similar happens to you, just walk away. You don't have to say anything or justify yourself to anyone. Remember, you have a right to be stressed. 

Another thing to remember is that occasionally you will run into someone who feels the need to "win" at being stressed. They will comment on how much MORE stressed they are than you. Sometimes they will even do this a couple times. Pay no attention. They just want to prove that they have more to stressed out about. If this happens, don't discredit yourself. You are still allowed to be stressed about whatever you want! 

I know I'm kind of rambling on at this point but bear with me here. (I'm almost done, I promise!) I'm going to say it one more time. (Sorry, not sorry!) YOU ARE SO TOTALLY ALLOWED TO BE STRESSED!  Do not let yourself get into the mind frame that your troubles or struggles are meaningless. If they matter to you then they DO matter. If you do, then it may only make yourself feel worse and we certainly don't want that. Do not accept defeat! 

**Also, this goes for being tired! You can be tired too! Even if you didn't physically strain yourself more than another person, it doesn't mean you can't be tired. One can be mentally tired, physically tired, or emotionally tired.**

Okay, I'm done now!

With Love & Support,

Anxiety Girl - xoxo