Anxiety is something I've always struggled with, but It wasn't until recently that it progressed in ways I could have never imagined. It's simple to say that you're okay but it's not until that one moment you realize it's not when everything changes. What others see on the outside is only a portion of who you fully are. The person you are with other people could be a much different person than the one you face alone. It takes someone with compassion and strength of their own to talk to you and understand what you're truly facing in such a busy, complicated world. Although I don't know at the moment why my anxiety is spiraling out of control, I believe there is a reason.

Yes, there are facts behind why I feel this way and the emotions that are constantly in my head which make sense. Yet I truly believe that I'm going through this experience for a reason and to come out a much stronger person. I didn't ask for this, but I'm glad it's happening because the highest waves become the best ones to surf. I'm ready for a challenge and although it's difficult to be going through this, it's happening for a reason and I'm definitely going to grow from this tremendously. It might sound crazy that I'm okay with this happening but it's true because I know that only good will come from this. Having a support system of people that I know are there for me and seeking help is such a blessing in disguise.

It's interesting because I've always been educated on mental health and understanding others going through difficult situations, yet I never knew it would happen to me. Life is constantly changing and so are we, which is something I've always struggled with understanding from the time I was young. As an aspect of my anxiety, I feel as if my opinions of change itself may evolve during this process of understanding my mental health and growing as a person. As this is definitely creating a barrier, I do see this as an opportunity for a positive outcome and change to occur within my own life.

In my career path, I want to help others in the ways that they live and feel, so that starts with me going on my own journey to comfort. As it's so important to be there for others, we need to remember to be present in our own lives and implement self-care into our daily routines. We get so caught up so many situations and the lives of others, which could be good sometimes but it's so crucial that we watch ourselves and how we react to situations and handle difficulties.

Life is scary and it feels as if some things can only get worse, but we need to promise ourselves that we will do what we can to make everything a little bit better. The more positivity that we express in our own lives will reflect on those around us and circulate back into ours. If you take anything from my piece, I hope you understand that we all go through things that make life a little bit difficult, but it's the way we handle these barriers and connect with one another that makes the biggest difference.

"Lighten up on yourself. No one is perfect. Gently accept your humanness."
–Deborah Day