Dear Anxiety,

Thank you
For teaching me
That those who appear the happiest
The people with the biggest smiles
Might be projecting a lie.

Thank you
For instilling me with compassion.
Providing me with a reason
To constantly remind people
That they matter,
That they are unconditionally loved.
Because you and I both know,
You will never allow me to feel that way.

Thank you
For introducing me
To someone who
Understands me
And you.
Someone I know
Cares for me
With the same intensity I do them.

I commend you
For bringing me so low,
For making me feel so worthless,
That I could never
Imagine doing the same
To anyone else.

I hate you.
With my entire being
I hate you.
But
Not as much as
Your constant whispers
Full of criticisms and critiques
Make me hate myself.