you know, it doesn't matter how hard i try.
it doesn't matter how much effort and time i put
into the day. silent struggles are seldom known.
and it's like- they tell you that you're not trying to
get over your anxiety if you're not speaking to people.
as if you can "get over" something like that.
i feel like i'm going to pass out every time i have to
raise my voice for someone, or say thank you, or ask a
question, or just smile. and i know it's irrational.
okay? i know i'm making it bigger than it truly is.
but your hills are my mountains. your grains of sand are
my beaches. how could you so easily interact with everyone
around you, and then turn around and say "everybody feels
nervous sometimes" or "social anxiety is your crutch."
of course it is. not everyone can stand on their own. and i
know i can't make you understand what it's like. i can't
make you feel the moment your heart breaks when someone
you love, so much, says that you're not trying, even as you
push yourself to your breaking point, even as you fall apart.
and you know what the worst part is? it isn't the constant panic,
or the sinking feeling, or the utter, incurable loneliness.
i can see the exact moment on someone's face when i can't
hold the conversation, or respond to their jokes. and i am
constantly, painfully aware that i am letting everyone down.
i know i am just one disappointment after the next. i see it. and
i can't get away from it. i can't escape my anxiety. it's tied to me,
like weights and chains i will never be freed of.
so you think i don't realize what i'm doing? you think i don't lay awake
at night, screaming at myself to just be normal? i'd give anything
to be like you. and i hate myself everyday because i'm not.
maybe they're all right.
maybe i'm just a worthless mute.