The past year I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety. I was embarrassed at first to tell anyone, not even my closest friend knew. I for sure thought I was being dumb for feeling sad or nervous for no reason. Anyone who has battled these diseases should know that there is absolutely no reason to be embarrassed and now I know that. Here are ways anxiety taught me to live:

Don't ever be embarrassed to tell someone you are not okay. You may think that your friends won't care or think you are crazy. It is not true your family and your friends are not only your biggest supporters but biggest cheerleaders. Whether you have it for the rest of your life or eventually grow out of it they still love the person they know you are.

Taking medication is okay! At first I hated having to be on medication to make myself feel better. It felt like I have given up and just needed to continue on with life. After I started taking it for awhile though I realized that it made me start to feel like myself again. Remember that medication does not define who you are.

You don't always have to go out. There was a lot of times where I would get to nervous out that I would just end up spending the night at home. Sounds lame right? I learned that no matter the situation get up, go out, and smile because you are only given one life. It also taught me that going out can make you feel a lot better when your surrounded by a good atmosphere.

Breathing has become and will always be my best friend. A psychiatrist taught me to breathe in for four counts and hold for four counts and release for four. What it actually taught me was to shut out everything that is stressing me out. It gave me control back into my life and let me decide what I wanted to let stress me out.

Stop, breathe and carry on. The semi-colon can mean to stop, breathe and carry on, or it can mean your story isn't over yet. Your story isn't over yet. You are unique and special. It is time to start cherishing the life you were given no matter the circumstances. I was thrown many a battles like a tumor, depression, anxiety and loss of friends. I know that it is a hard time but you were given this life because you were strong enough to live it.

This may be the hardest thing you have ever had to battle. It does not make you any less of a human being. It is natural course of life. You can and you will get through it. It may take a while to overcome it but it shows strength and character. We weren't born perfect so there is no need to try to be.

Sincerely,

The girl who wants to help