It all started back in July. I started having symptoms of severe anxiety. I didn’t quite understand what was happening. All I knew was I felt off; different even. I just shook it off and went on about my life until a week later when physical symptoms started to set in. I started to have headaches, upset stomach, chest pains, numbness on the left side of my face that ran down into my left arm. I’m also an overthinker, so when I noticed the physical symptoms, it would send me into a debilitating spiraling panic attack. I’m talking  about feeling like I’m not able to breathe, feeling like my chest is caving in , the world is caving in around me , not sleeping because I felt like I was going to die or pass out. Over the next couple of weeks, everything got worse to the point where I was physically ill. I was stuck in the cycle of exhaustion, anxiety and stress. From the moment I woke up it was a constant battle with my thoughts, thinking if I was going to make it to see tomorrow or at night when I said goodnight to my family I wondered if that was that the last thing they would hear from me. These intrusive thoughts mixed with the spontaneous panic attacks I’d get out of nowhere really took a toll on me. It got to the point where I couldn’t even leave my house without having a panic attack. I never really told anybody what was going on except my Mom. I distanced myself from my siblings, friends, and extended family simply because I felt like they wouldn’t understand what was going on or think I was crazy. After many doctor appointments, I feel, I’m  finally on a medication that is helping with my anxiety. It has been helping even though there’s still some thoughts that linger but, I can now suppress them and take control of myself again. Mental illness or mental disorders isn’t something that’s commonly talked about in my generation. Yes, the topic is brought up but it’s never openly talked about in depth. I want to bring awareness to those who may have friends and family members who may be going through the same thing. I know from my experience that they could  definitely use some support. I also want to encourage and tell those that are going through this that "It’s OK to not be OK" and that you’re not alone. I’ll be the first to say that I’m here and my Instagram and or email are always open to those who  just want to talk and have someone to listen. I want you to know that you have a friend that’s going through similar things and that you are not alone. I partnered with the MHARI organization to raise money for those who can’t afford to get the healthcare they need to fight this illness. I would really appreciate it if you guys can help make my goal a reality. Any amount makes a difference and can help.  Thank you! 

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