How People With Anxiety Stay Calm Under Pressure Stress

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Photographed by Rochelle Brock.

To some, being a "chill" person with anxiety might sound a bit like an oxymoron. But the truth is, being a calm person and experiencing anxiety are not mutually exclusive.

Sometimes, what looks like being "cool, calm, and collected" may actually be a coping technique to mask the anxiety within. If a friend who always seems "chill" confides in you about a struggle with anxiety, validate their feelings and try to understand where they are coming from — chances are it took a lot for them to share.

We wanted to know what people with anxiety had to say about this, so we asked "chill" people with anxiety from The Mighty's mental health community to share one thing they wish others understood about them.

This story was originally published on The Mighty, a platform for people facing health challenges to share their stories and connect.

Samaritans is available around the clock, every single day of the year, providing a safe place for anyone who is struggling to cope. Please call free on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, or visit samaritans.org to find details of the nearest branch.

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