It does get better!
I’m 21F, and I’ve struggled with severe anxiety since I was about 9. It started with school because I’ve got dyslexia and always found academics really stressful. Then as my parents kept moving around, it got harder and harder to make proper connections with people my age. As my parents’ marriage started falling apart, I ended up being diagnosed with chronic depression, too.
I tried heaps of different medications over the years, but eventually realised they just weren’t for me.
When I started uni in 2023, I decided I wanted to actually start living a bit more. I pushed myself to go out, make friends, and finally experience being a teenager. It definitely wasn’t easy, though. I made mistakes, hung around the wrong people, and even tried medical weed for the first time. (Wouldn’t recommend using drugs to fix your problems, though.)
Now it’s 2026, and things are honestly so much better. I can leave the house without having a panic attack, I can break out of my routine without feeling like I’m drowning, and I’ve got two close friends I know will be in my life for a long time. Most importantly, I feel lighter than I have in years.
Whilst I still panic now and again its better, I can get back up afterwards because there are things in my life that have hurt me more. And I'm still standing.
So yeah, anxiety can get better. But at some point, you’ve gotta be the one to take those steps. People can support you, but they can’t hold your hand forever.
And I think that's the secret for me at least, realising the world isn't as scary as I thought. Yes, some people are mean, and act like they're still in high school (the secret is they're struggling too) but that's okay, because you didn't stoop to their level.