Mental Health Awareness Month

May is mental health awareness month, and this is very important to me as someone who struggles with generalized anxiety disorder, and depression. I wanted to talk a bit about my journey & where I am at with mental health today.

For as long as I can remember, I was different. I started noticing it in elementary school when I couldn’t ever sit still. I was constantly nervous for no real reason, and would beg to go home. I loved school, but never felt comfortable. I had an amazing childhood, but had this looming sense of fear and consistent worry in the back of my mind. Things got really bad in middle school, and I barely showed up. I had panic attacks nearly every day and was so scared, I couldn’t even leave my house. At the age of 12, I was put on medication and started therapy, as that seemed to be the best option for me. I even had to do a hospitalized outpatient “program” for school refusal, and of course my anxiety. During this time, I lost a lot of friends and heard a lot of rumors from my school. Depression and anxiety typically go hand in hand, and I definitely felt that. Middle school was rough to say the least. But honestly, I am lucky to say that was the worst of it.

As I’ve grown into a young adult, really stepped in my faith, and honestly moved from the Chicago area to South Carolina for a fresh start, I can say this is the best I’ve ever felt mentally/physically. Having a change in scenery and working daily on wellness/prayer really pulled me out of a deep hole I was in for years. I went from feeling hopeless, lost, afraid, and alone to hopeful, held, confident, and embraced. Do not be afraid to ask for help. Do not be afraid to tell someone. You are not alone, even when it feels like it.

I am so passionate about healthy living/wellness for this reason, and hope my story can help someone else who can relate.

BIBLE VERSES FOR ANXIETY

Psalm 94:19

“When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul.”

Matthew 6:34

“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

Romans 8:38-39

“And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love.”

MENTAL HEALTH HOTLINES

Do not be afraid to ask for help.

988- suicide & crisis lifeline

866-903-378- National Mental Health Hotline

630-482-9696- Depression Hotline

630-321-5272- Grief Support