When I was in elementary school, I was diagnosed with an anxiety disorder and daily chronic migraines. As a child, this didn't mean much to me, other than the fact that I was different than the other kids and would face some challenges in my life. Upon my entrance to middle school, things changed as my diagnoses became more severe and life altering. I felt very alone in a world that ostracized teens with mental and physical health challenges, and soon found myself becoming isolated from other students, and even my resources for help. I struggled with frequent panic attacks, as well as debilitating pain from daily migraines with no obvious cause. It took me reaching rock bottom to realize that I needed help a bit farther from home.
In 9th grade, I visited the Johns Hopkins Hospital Headache Clinic for a full evaluation, and found that my migraines were caused by an unhealthy lifestyle that I had fallen into over the years. Lack of sleep, dehydration, and excess stress was causing the pain I experienced on almost a daily basis. I started regularly seeing a psychologist to work on strategies to improve my mental health and decrease my anxiety level, which ultimately relieved my physical pain as well. I needed to learn that the diagnoses on my medical records did not define me as a person, and that I did not need to limit myself because of my health problems. Slowly but surely, I got my life back on track. The light at the end of the tunnel slowly returned as I found myself making new friends, becoming more social, improving my quality of life, and enjoying myself.
As a rising college freshman, I am now in recovery. With the help of many doctors and appointments, medications, resources, and just an overall better outlook on life, I am able to manage my physical pain and fight back against my anxiety. The people that I've met on this journey have inspired me to live life to the fullest and find the good in every situation. My doctors, nurses, family, and friends have pushed me to get back on my feet and find hope for the future. I will never be able to thank them enough for always supporting me. Ten years ago, I could never imagine being ready to head off to college by myself, especially in another state. Today, I am proud to announce that I will be attending the University of Alabama to study Marine Science and Biology, as well as being a member of the Million Dollar Band on scholarship. I am optimistic that my future holds big things and that the past is in the past. I am so proud of myself for pushing through these obstacles.
I do not share my story to receive pity, empathy, or to get people to feel sorry for me. I share my story to show others that there is hope, no matter how low you may feel, or how hard you fall. After experiencing the struggles I faced earlier in life, I want to be sure that nobody has to face anything alone. I want my challenges to be used for inspiration and acceptance, not shame and dwelling on the past. I believe that we all have a purpose in this world and that there is a reason for everything. I know now that my purpose is to show others that nothing is impossible with the right mindset and a great support system. I've also learned a lot about myself through these trials. I learned that I am stronger than I ever imagined and that I can do whatever I set my mind to. With this new outlook on life and a bright future ahead, I am prepared for whatever life decides to throw at me. I can't wait to see what's next in my story!
