My friends, family, and I know that I have anxiety, but I often feel like I'm pretending, like I'm fine and I'm just looking for sympathy or an excuse. Is this normal?

Suffering from and coping with Anxiety is a very difficult task. It's great you have the support of your friends and family. Feeling doubtful about how you feel and cope may also be a result of your anxiety, after all it attacks in different ways and makes life so hard. So hang in there, Besides who doesn't wish for their families and friends to care about them especially during the times we are struggling most. I am sure your loved ones are so thankful they can be of any help for you and aid you in any way possible

it's ok. It can be hard to open up about having anxiety. Yes. I'd say it is normal. I didn't want to tell people at first. Anxiety is more common then you think. You don't have to tell people unless you want to. The choice is yours. No one will pressure you. It is good to have support though. You should not have to hide your feelings. Letting them out and talking to someone who understands helps a lot. No matter what you choose to do, you will be loved. People want to understand, they just struggle with how to help.

Yes. Most of the people do that because they don't want their near and dear once to worry about them. one can work on the level of anxiety through meditation/ Breathwork. I always used to do this. I did this for years but then I realized it's harmful for my body and mental health. because I wasn't able to process the emotions. I took some professional help in order to understand myself and my emotions in a better way and was able to figure out the reasons for the same. I am glad I took the help and now I feel confident and more at ease with myself and also with the people around me.