As 2020 sets in, I'm reflecting back on the last 10 years: graduation, first jobs, first boyfriends, the onset of my anxiety... so many things. Who would have thought someone could pack in so much life in just 10 years? I hope my next 10 will be filled with happiness, joy, health and adventure. Here are just some things I'm looking forward to in the new decade: Career … [Read more...]
3 Steps to Managing the Transition to College
College life is a very big transition for many students. Especially those who are already dealing with other life problems, like a mental health disorder. Trying to learn how to live and navigate on your own can take awhile. For our whole lives, many of us have lived with our parents' support. Now, in an instant, we are out on our own, away from home. We will come across some … [Read more...]
CREATE YOURSELF
Are you sitting in front of your phone or computer right now, moping around? Are you dreading going to school this Monday - to face the students, semi-friends, bullies, parents and teachers? Basically- Are you living a life that is any less than fantastic? Well.. You're in for a surprise secret today. One that has been there all along, but you may just be finding out about … [Read more...]
5 Foolproof Stress-Busting Activities for Finals Week
Stress is a powerful thing and something that often become extremely overwhelming if you let it get out of hand. Since coming to college, I believe that I have started to master some of the best options to try if you are having an especially difficult day or couple of days. Finals week is especially stressful for most. Here are a few options to reduce stress during finals week … [Read more...]
6 Tips to Balancing Your Mental State in College
College is a life-changing period in our lives. It tests our character, mental stability, and our overall self-esteem to get through the toughest of times. With all the commitments, events, academics, and things going on each day, it can be daunting for one to tackle them all. Fortunately, there are solutions and steps to help balance out your mental state. Let’s … [Read more...]
From The Desk Of An Anxious Young Adult: Understanding An Anxious Child
Since I learned to walk anxiety has followed me like a shadow. The pitter patter of baby feet could be too loud if I was not careful. I felt terrible when that shaky, wet, feeling of fear and pain twisted my family into promises I had yet to break, failures I had yet to make. I lived in fear of disappointing everyone. With support, understanding, and honesty my family has … [Read more...]
The Culture of My Anxiety: An Indian Girl’s Story
I am sitting in my third grade classroom on a rainy day, as my favorite teacher is reading to the class. Everything is great. I have a wonderful family and wonderful friends. I am contentedly listening to Mrs. Thompson’s calming voice as she reads us a section of a chapter book. I love reading books and listening to stories. But the sudden quickening of my heart and blood … [Read more...]
The Stigma Has Been Amplified
I’m going into this article timidly, as I don’t know how it is going to turn out or what exactly I’m hoping to say, but I do know that I want to, and feel driven to, talk about this. It's time we talked about the recent Florida shooting and its relation to mental illness; and no, this isn’t the tired old discussion or argument that you’re probably thinking it will be. I’m … [Read more...]
Care Package Ideas: Best Things to Pack for a College Student Dealing with Mental Health Issues
The new semester is about to start this autumn, and students everywhere are getting organized for the upcoming stresses of classes, getting settled in a new dorm and attempting to make a new set of friends. If you are about to embark on a new year of college or want to support someone who is, care packages are an awesome way to start the year off right. One of the best … [Read more...]
3 Ways You Are Stronger Than You Think
Someone today will need to hear this. Is that you? Overcoming challenging emotional feelings and persistent negative thoughts is hard. But it's not impossible. You are capable of empathy and compassion. Your ability to help another human in need despite all that may be happening in your own life is a testament to your ability to relate to and empathize with others. The … [Read more...]
Renewed Hope: One Young Woman’s Story of Severe Eating Disorder, Depression and OCD and then Recovery
It all began when I was about 8 years old. I had always been a bit of an anxious child, but it had never been a serious issue. However, it seemed like one day I was suddenly slapped across the face with unbearable anxiety. My childhood up to that point had been pretty average: I had supportive and loving parents, friends and had managed to stay out of trouble for the most part. … [Read more...]
Back to School Anticipation Anxiety and How to Deal
Going back to school after three months of summer is one of the most anxiety-provoking times of the year for me personally. Back in high school, I remember feeling a mix of emotions about going back to school: part of me was excited to start exercising my brain again and begin learning new, exciting things every day while the other part of me was incredibly anxious to see … [Read more...]
GETTING THROUGH HIGH SCHOOL – I want you to stay strong.
I am sure I’m not alone in saying this but I had a horrible time in high school. I was bullied, struggled with my own mental health issues and had no friends. High school was a miserable time for me and I’m guessing some of you reading who are in high school, are thinking the same thing. Just like me, I’m also guessing that people keep telling you, “its only high school, you … [Read more...]
Acceptance
Accepting that you may have or even do have a mental illness is, in my opinion, one of the hardest things about the illness itself. On the outside, I come across as this girl that has everything together. To my friends, I’m this goofy, funny (or at least I think I am), super outgoing, and happy girl. To my parents, I am involved in everything, smart, have a lot of friends, … [Read more...]
5 Ways to Help a Friend Struggling with a Mental Health Issue
Some of you may be struggling with having a family member or friend with anxiety, depression, or some other mental health issue. If you are someone who hasn’t had a mental health issue yourself, it can be hard sometimes to completely understand what he or she is going through. This is something I have struggled with myself, as my brother was diagnosed with anxiety and … [Read more...]