Mental health can affect every aspect of your life: skin, school work, friendships, and family relationships. I was trying to heal wounds from depression, anxiety, and an eating disorder all on my own throughout high school, not letting anyone see how badly hurt I was under the surface. I was skin and bone; a shell of the person I am. My friends eventually gave up on me because they felt that I was too far gone to be fixed by a pep talk. They did not struggle with mental health, so they went on with their lives, while I was left behind. My family was frustrated because they did not know what was wrong or how to help me. I was at the point of death. Everything changed when I talked to a professional about my buried trauma and started taking antidepressants. The smallest habits changed me entirely. Before, I was a walking storm cloud. Now, everyone describes me as walking sunshine. I live life so much more fully than I ever have before. I never thought I would be where I am today. I was so used to living in fight-or-flight mode growing up that I had forgotten what it felt like to find joy in life; to be truly happy. Every day was like waking up in a dystopian captivity. Life was not my own. I was dragged around doing what I needed to barely get through the day. When I finally got help, it was like a weight was lifted off my heart. I was no longer held down by invisible chains. As a society, I believe we need to be more educated on how important mental health is and not downplay trauma or bad habits. Mental disorders are much more delicate and fragile than others expect. Spiraling can easily lead to death. This is why there are so many adolescents dying so young. The second thing society needs to work on is overload. It is a normality these days for the average American to be so stressed out to the point of depression. Some factors of this are governmental pressure, academic pressure, job pressure, and financial pressure. Kids are no longer allowed to play on the playground without having a plan for college. As a psychology major, I am going to be there for my friends and family, sharing with them the importance of taking care of your mind. I check up on them and share what I have learned through the journey I went through. It is easy for me to recognize signs of struggle because I have gone through and studied many. I refuse to ignore any sign whatsoever,, no matter how continuously I make sure friends and family are okay. My childhood was a struggle, but I am not going to waste my story by not sharing it. My burden can now be a gift of knowledge to others. Now that I am healthy, I can be a stronghold for those who are in an episode of mental drowning. I am not who I once was, but I am glad I went through what I did, so I can use my story for good.

My mental health issues started when I was 11 years old. I almost let depression, anxiety, and an eating disorder take my life. I was forced to get the help that I would never have asked for. Best decision my family and friends ever made for me. I had no idea for so long that I was living in a fight or flight mode. My mental issues were affecting my skin, school work, friendships, and family relationships. I was trying to heal wounds all on my own, not letting anyone see how badly hurt I was under the surface. My friends eventually gave up on me because they felt that I was too far gone to be fixed by a pep talk. They did not struggle with mental health, so they went on with their lives, while I was left behind. My family was frustrated because they did not know what was wrong or how to help me. Everything changed when I talked to a professional about my buried trauma and started taking antidepressants. The smallest habits changed who I am entirely. Before, I was a walking storm cloud. Now, everyone describes me as walking sunshine. I live life so much more fully than I ever have before. I never thought I would be where I am today. I did not think adulthood was in the cards for the struggling girl I used to be. Now I am a college freshman at the school of my dreams, pursuing the career of my dreams, with a bright future ahead of me. I decided to major in psychology. I am currently working on my bachelor's degree, but my goal is to pursue a master's degree. I have always known I want to be able to help others. I did not know in which way I would do so until I healed from my own problems. What once was a weakness for me is now my greatest strength. I want to use my story to help others who struggle with mental health and walk with them into a better future. I want to see women like me blossom into the wonderful life they deserve. Mental health is delicate. It is fragile and must be taken care of. I want to be a light to those walking in the darkness of their mind. And that is what I am going to do. If the mind is broken, so is the physical.