My Mental Health Journey: From Darkness to Light

I've always been a bit of an anxious person. I used to worry about everything, from what I was going to wear to what people thought of me. But when I was 18, my anxiety went into overdrive. I started having panic attacks, which made me feel like I was going to die. I couldn't leave the house without feeling like I was going to faint. I started to avoid social situations, and I stopped going to school.

I was so scared and ashamed of what was happening to me. I didn't tell anyone what I was going through. I thought I was the only person in the world who felt this way. I didn't know what was wrong with me, or how to fix it.

"I Am Who I Am, Except for When I'm Not": "My Mental Health Journey"

by Glenda Nobles

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
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One day, I was walking home from school when I had a panic attack. I was so terrified that I collapsed on the sidewalk. A kind woman helped me up and asked me if I was okay. I told her what was happening to me, and she listened patiently. She told me that she had been through something similar, and that there was help available.

That day, I decided to get help. I went to a therapist, and she helped me to understand what was happening to me. I learned that I had generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). GAD is a common mental health condition that causes people to feel anxious and worried about everyday situations. I also learned that there are many ways to manage GAD, such as therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes.

I started therapy and medication, and I slowly started to feel better. I learned how to manage my anxiety, and I started to live my life again. I went back to school, I started socializing again, and I even started dating.

It wasn't always easy, but I never gave up. I knew that I had to keep fighting for my mental health. And I'm so glad that I did. Today, I'm living a happy and fulfilling life. I still have anxiety, but I know how to manage it. And I know that I'm not alone.

If you're struggling with mental health, please know that you're not alone.

There are many people who have been through similar experiences, and there is help available. Don't be afraid to reach out to a friend, family member, therapist, or other mental health professional. There is hope, and you can get better.

Here are some resources that can help you:

• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
• National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline