Identifying Anxiety: We Grew Up Together

Personal Story by Sofia C.

Mental Health has always been a subject of conversation in my household. Before the government declared a crisis on mental health among youth in our country, my parents who are both mental health professionals spoke freely about trauma, triggers, and the processing of emotions. Growing up I heard many stories about broken individuals who got caught up in the criminal world or on drugs and alcohol because of their own traumas and mental health issues. Because of this early exposure in my life I learned that speaking about how you felt was not something to be afraid of; rather, there was value in acknowledging and talking about what I was feeling and the experiences I was having. I was taught by example that my feelings were valid no matter what, and that these emotions were not seen as being a weak person but that it is normal to have these strong emotions even though at times I might have felt like I was crazy. 

In my experience when I was much younger mental health and wellness was not not necessarily addressed in the ways that it is now. In my elementary school bullying seemed to be the hottest topic at school, but now we know that bullies usually are suffering from their own mental health issues. Unfortunately, school shootings  have become more common, as children growing up with these experiences we've had to comfort the anxiety of not feeling safe on campus. As for me I found my anxiety in these topics especially. I remember when I was in the 5th grade having my first signs of anxiety because of our lock down drills. I didn't know how to name it at the time but my parents were able to give me the words to explain what felt like a hard tangled cover knot in my chest. This time in my life helped me understand that these big feelings were temporary and that all of us struggle at one time or another.  

Now that I'm older, we're now living in a new world where mental health is frequently discussed. There are more opportunities to learn about mental health within school and also through our social media. In my group of friends I feel that we've been able to create a space where we are able to talk about our mental health and traumas and find that comfort from each other. My knowledge and experiences of mental health have guided me to be more patient with others and curious about their own personal stories. I often think how many people around me have their own traumas and their own ways of coping because if we look closely there are so many people living with their own mental health issues whether they are visible or not. One thing that I've personally learned dealing with my own mental health is that no matter what it will get better and you will be okay no matter what life might throw at you.