Mental health conversations are difficult but necessary. Many fail to recognize mental health is as important as physical health in terms of our overall well-being. It's understandable for one to not comfortable disclosing their mental health status -- being vulnerable is hard! However, having discussions concerning mental health regularly will elevate mental health awareness.

A concrete definition for mental health is absent because it is culturally constructed: everyone's experiences vary and their feelings are validated. Moreover, one cannot tell if someone else has a mental illness. That being said, I'll disclose that I have anxiety. I'll elaborate on my ongoing experience with anxiety with the four biggest symptoms I have on a regular basis.

1. Overthinking

Overthinking is inevitable. However, overthinking constantly is not fun at all. I won't even be very stressed, yet my thoughts start to race. It's hard to get rid of this feeling. It's like my thoughts are running a marathon but can never find the finish line.

2. Avoiding

My constant overthinking distracts me from finishing my responsibilities. I don't like promptly confronting certain responsibilities; instead, I avoid my responsibilities until the last minute. A perfect example: almost always, I don't proactively study for the upcoming exam because I'm too busy freaking out about it. All those days I could have spent studying definitely wasted...

3. Restless 

No matter how hard I try, I can never stay still! I don't know why, but I've been like this since I was younger. Many people may notice this when they see me. I'm either moving around a lot or fidgeting. My mind is always active so fidgeting puts me at ease; it's oddly satisfying.

4. Irritable 

What do you get when you combine Overthinking Me and Restless Me? Irritable me. Irritability happens when I'm stressed. My stressor is causing me to overthink which causes me to be restless. Beware of Irritable Clariza. She is sorry if she throws something at you!

Mental health discussions need to keep happening. I cannot emphasize enough about how important mental health is to one's well-being. Make sure you participate in healthy coping mechanisms. Try to find someone who will always be there for you. You are never alone, so you should never feel that way.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255