Anxiety—It’s a word we casually use to describe pre-meeting jitters or a first-date flutter. Yet, for millions, anxiety is a relentless storm. It’s a constant undercurrent that disrupts their daily life. From the gnawing fear that shows up in social situations to the physical manifestations that leave us breathless and shaky, anxiety can paint our world in shades of worry and dread.

Today, we will meet people from all walks of life—individuals whose backgrounds and experiences are as diverse as how their anxiety manifests. We’ll hear real-life stories of those who have sliced their way through challenges, found ways to manage their anxiety, and reclaimed their lives. These are the faces of anxiety—portraits of not just pain but resilience, too.

1. Ritu* – a medical student

The world used to constantly feel like a tightrope walk to me. Any hint of someone close pulling away (even emotionally) would send me spiraling down. Overthinking would turn into a suffocating fog and bring terrifying anxiety attacks along. I vividly remember one episode in my Psychiatry class in 2022—everything went dark, the floor rushed up to meet me, and then…nothing. Nada. Later, my friends narrated the event in detail to me. My eyes were wide open but I was a million miles away, shivering uncontrollably, unaware of the worried faces around me. It was like being trapped inside a snow globe while the world was swirling helplessly outside. The doctor’s prodding and my Psychiatry teacher’s voice to “stop thinking” somehow snapped me back to reality.

Entering medical college was the tipping point, triggering my first episode and a few more that followed. But here’s the thing: those episodes weren’t the end of the story. They were a wake-up call. They helped me discover journaling. Now, my diary is a safe space where I can untangle the knots of worry in my head. And most importantly, I learned to recognize the early warning signs of overthinking. Now, when I catch myself before the free fall, I immediately try replacing my triggering thoughts with mindful breathing techniques and self-compassion.

My journey with anxiety isn’t over, but at least it’s no longer a terrifying tightrope walk. Instead, it has turned into more of a constant dance where I tango between awareness and self-care. And the most beautiful part? I’m leading this dance. 

My message to anyone facing similar struggles is that you are not alone.

The strength to manage anxiety lives within you. Find your rhythm and your coping mechanisms. Focus on the present, breathe, and believe in yourself. You’ve got this!

2. Mohan* – a college lecturer

Five years with my girlfriend, the woman who makes my heart dance and my mind stay calm. She’s everything I could ask for. But life throws curveballs, doesn’t it? I reconnected with a childhood friend, the messages flew back and forth, and a spark was rekindled. Before I had the chance to notice what was happening, I got emotionally entangled. Naturally, It scared me, and I slammed the brakes—I cut things off clean. Little did I expect back then that I was paving the way for never-ending guilt. The “what ifs” started to eat me from the inside out.

Combine this emotion with my still-evolving career and the burden of not being the financial rock that I was striving to be for my family. It all blew up! One night, when I was all alone in my room, tears started streaming down my face. I was shivering intensely and cried my heart out for hours—all the while, I clutched and hugged myself for comfort. I felt like a prisoner in my head, and I still do. 

I’ve had several anxiety attacks and breakdowns since. But here’s the thing—I refuse to stay there. Cricket turned into an escape and my friends have become my therapy. Every swing of the bat chases away all doubts. Every small talk with my friends feels like a victory against the overwhelming guilt. 

There’s still a voice that rises against it all and reminds me of my horrible nature, but here’s my message: Mistakes happen and guilt can cripple you. But they don’t have to define you. Find your outlet and hatch your escape. You can overcome anxiety, too. All you need to do is find your light and chase it with all your might. One day, you’ll look back at your present and chuckle at it all!

3. Chaithra, MyndStories Team

The year 2021 hadn’t been kind. The second wave of COVID-19 crashed over us like a tidal wave of fear and uncertainty. It wasn’t just the news reports or the rising case numbers—it was a personal tsunami that swept through my family. One by one, my father, uncle, aunt, and cousin were all struck down by the virus, all hospitalized.

The hospital walls became a barrier that separated us from our loved ones. No comforting phone calls, just the agonizing silence punctuated by the chilling message: “We’ll call you if things get serious.” Naturally, anxiety made its way through my life, tightened its grip, and painted my world in shades of dread.

They say anxiety doesn’t come with a pause button. It’s a primal instinct and a part of our fight-or-flight response. But here’s the truth I discovered: while we can’t eliminate it completely, we can learn to manage it. For me, acceptance became the key. Accepting that some things are beyond my control and that the world is uncertain. It wasn’t easy, by any means, but with each acceptance came a tiny bit of peace.

The journey continues. Even today, an ambulance siren can make my heart race, and a late-night call triggers my anxiety. But now, I have my tools. The understanding is that not everything needs fixing and that managing anxiety is also about taking things one step, one breath at a time. My message to the world? Anxiety might be a constant companion, but it doesn’t have to be your captain. Learn to identify your triggers, find your coping mechanisms, and remember you are not alone. Breathe, accept, and step forward. 

4. Sreyashi – A freelance writer

They say anxiety hits you like a rogue wave. One minute, you’re sailing smoothly; the next, you’re gasping for air, tossed around by relentless currents. That’s exactly what happened to me in 2023. My dad fell sick. The worry and the fear slammed into me like a physical force. Sleep became a battlefield of nightmares and sweats. While the food turned to ash in my mouth, my weight plummeted. My mind became a relentless cycle of “what ifs”, each one worse than the last.

Therapy? I craved it, but I already had too much on my plate at that time. Then, a glimmer of hope came through. Dad started getting better, and with that tiny improvement, so did I. Finally, I reached out to a therapist. 

Here’s what she told me—Find your safe harbor, a place where worries can’t touch you. Imagine yourself leaving your troubles behind as you step into that space. Accept your strengths even when they feel like the last thing you have. Believe in yourself, even when faith feels like a whisper. Gradually, meditation became my anchor and hobby, my lifeline. Slowly, the anxiety attacks began to recede and fade. 

Here’s a message to people who share my story. Anxiety isn’t a destination; it’s a journey. There will be good days and bad, but the important thing is to keep moving forward, one step at a time. Embrace the journey because, trust me, the view from the other side is incredible. If you’re struggling with anxiety, you’re not alone. There is help. There is hope. And there is a future where you can breathe easy again. 

Resources:

Tracing my journey with anxiety

Moments with Smitha Murthy || Grounding techniques for anxiety

How India’s teens are dealing with increasing anxiety

Top 5 ways to cope with anxiety when you can’t afford therapy