When I am most anxious - like now - it is all I can do to keep it together and attempt to appear normal. Underneath the facade I am ready to crack. I suppose my coping mechanisms help a great deal but my biggest method of coping is to avoid or take flight from a difficult situation. I suppose people may rol their eyes by now at my exuses to not go to functions or to back out and get away. For me at least, it is easier to cover the anxiety with a mask than depression.