I am a strong woman. I could argue that this is the hardest story I have ever written. It is a personal story involving self-discovery, confusion, anger, ignorance, laughter, and last but certainly not least authenticity. I say “authenticity” because I want to be real with you, my reader, and do what I can to paint my story in a way that is helpful.
Anxiety took form in my life like this:
- Elementary school I cried over a state exam and left to go to the restroom to calm down
- Age 12 and a trip to the emergency room for feeling of loss of breath (left with nothing)
- Age 13 and another trip to the emergency for hives and feeling loss of breath (left with Benedryl)
- High school cried 2x during ACT’s because I was overwhelmed, feared to fail, and didn’t know if I could finish it
- Developed Bulimia senior year of High school because it comforted me and was something I could control
- Called my parents in panic my first year of college because I wanted to move home and didn’t like the overwhelming amount of change
- A break up that amplified my anxiety and triggered depression…this is finally the point in my life, at the age of 22, that I began to see a professional regarding my anxiety
- Despite anxiety my life was like this:
- School secretary and peer mediator in elementary school
- Student council representative 7, 8, 9,10th grade
- Advanced English 9, 10, 11,12th grade
- Top 10% placement in a statewide English exam in 10th grade
- Graduated High school with a 3.3 GPA
- Acceptance to 2 undergraduate colleges
- Fell in love at 18
- Studied abroad in Australia for a semester
- Graduated from Saint Thomas University with a GPA of 3.3: Advertising Federation Member, Note taker for Academic services, Gamma Sigma Sigma, Deans List
- Moved to California for 2 years
- Ran over 10 half marathons, 2 marathons and currently training for my 3rd marathon
- Won an award at my job in California for providing the best customer service throughout all worldwide offices
Throughout all of this I developed a passion for holistic health and most specifically natural ways to help treat and manage anxiety. Below are things that have helped:
- Gluten, sugar, and dairy free diet
- A high protein and quality fat diet, most specifically, something like this: www.whole30.com
- Exercise: running, yoga, weights, walking, dancing, biking
- YOGA for anxiety (it gets its own bullet because it’s amazing)
- Quality sleep: 8 hours is a must
- No drinking: Alcohol increases cortisol (flight or fight response) and is a depressant, therefore, I shy away from drinking but enjoy a glass of red wine. One could argue that the resveratol and red wines anti-inflammatory agents does a body good!
- Essential oils: peppermint for the AM and lavender in the PM
- Meditation: I have just started to practice meditation
- FRIENDS & FAMILY
- Calm music
I know that some people who are reading this are looking for someone to relate to. I understand what you are going through. I know that it can be tough and I know that you are looking for answers and working through times that may not be as easy as others. I want you to commit to being a warrior. I want you to always live by the words “keep going, keep going, keep going”. You are on the right track by checking out this great website. I hope you too share your story (Here’s your chance!: Anxiety In Teens STORIES app)
Last, I feel an obligation to do what I can and spread awareness about anxiety and depression. I would love to be able to speak on natural ways to cope with anxiety. I hope to one day teach yoga for anxiety so that I can give back to others what I have found so helpful in my journey.
“Let everything happen to you
Beauty and terror
Just keep going
No feeling is final”
― Rainer Maria Rilke
Yoga for Anxiety: A Video to Get Started
Here’s a favorite we found on YouTube for getting started with yoga for anxiety:
By: Jenn Bradley, AiT Contributor