Colleen

My anxiety and problems handling stress started sometime during high school. I also have struggled with accepting and handling my emotions since I was fairly young. My mom had a major back surgery when I was in middle school, and my parents divorced when I was in my sophomore year in high school, so it was definitely a lot of change. I also got really serious about dance in high school. I started to really worry about being accepted by others and what others thought about me in every aspect of my life. I was definitely (and can still be) an overachiever and perfectionist. However, I've learned and accepted recently that it's okay not to be okay and it's okay not to have everything figured out. I've also learned that the only thing that really matters in the end is that I'm doing what's best for me and what supports my happiness and wellbeing. I also recently decided that finding professional help is the best option for me, and that I am not weak for deciding to do this, I am strong for taking charge of my mental health. 

Dancing, yoga, meditation, talking to my boyfriend, coloring, painting, walking, listening to music, reading books, breathing, reading about others who have similar struggles, looking at positive social media accounts, and discussing my feelings with friends have all helped in coping with my anxiety.

My advice to others would be to don't be afraid to get help, and don't be afraid to talk to someone. Just because you think that your issues aren't "bad enough" doesn't mean that you aren't valid and don't deserve full happiness. Anxiety doesn't have to be in control, you can take back the power.