“Even when things are wonderful, I’m always waiting for something horrible to happen.”

“When I’m being quiet, I’m not sad, bored, tired or whatever else they want to fill in the blank with. There’s just so much going on in my mind, sometimes I can’t keep up with what’s going on around me.”

“Sometimes when I’m feeling the anxiety, I have no idea why I’m anxious.”

“For real — it’s not you, it’s me. Generalized anxiety feels like drowning all the time. Most times life in general intensifies that feeling. If I have a hard time making plans, don’t take it personally."

“I’m sorry. I’m sorry for every invite I’ve declined, every time I’ve seemed irrational or nasty because I was overwhelmed or scared. I’m sorry for every time I’ve said I’d do something but then backed out. I’m sorry my anxiety hurts you, too.”

“I need you to reach out to me, even when I’m so anxious I’ve stopped leaving the house. I need to know someone still cares and wants to see me.”

“I analyze things constantly because of anxiety. I cannot turn my brain off and it can be exhausting.”

“It’s not your job to fix me. Please just love me the way I am.”

“Most of the time you won’t know I’m having anxiety unless I tell you.”

“If I’m not comfortable doing something, just let it go. Don’t try to convince me — it makes it worse.”

“Please don’t tell me to just get over it or that I’m being silly.”

“Keep inviting me to group things even though I usually decline. Some days I feel stronger than others, so my answer might surprise you. Be patient.”

“When I say I can’t take on even one more thing, I really need you to understand I really just can’t.”

“When I can’t do something, no one is more disappointed than me. Please try to understand that.”

“I’m still me. I’m not my anxiety.”

“Give me some space, but don’t forget me.”