That's how I felt after a long battle with depression and anxiety. As a Registered Nurse I've seen the daunting impact poor mental health can have on health including hormonal imbalances, digestive upset, irregular sleep patterns, poor dietary habits, and unhealthy addictions. I've encountered countless patients with devastating chronic diseases caused by these issues such as diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and obesity, and was terrified to end up in that state. I thought I had all the education to know how to properly take care of myself, but part of me knew there had to be a better way to manage health and prevent those diseases in the first place instead of handing out medication or undergoing invasive surgery. I want to share my story with you to inspire you and give you hope that it is possible to take control of your own mental, emotional, and physical health. I want to show you that there is light at the end of the dark tunnel you are going through and you can be happy and fulfilled.
Like me were you diagnosed with depression or anxiety at a very young age?
Have you also tried countless medication combinations of antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications? I spent almost ten years of my life dealing with intolerable medication side effects, suicide attempts, BSU admissions and dozens of appointments with therapists and psychiatrists until my early twenties when I decided I was the only one in charge of my life and enough was enough. However, the kicker was I never developed the necessary tools to cope with life besides the conventional therapy and medication. Sound familiar? Now I am in no way saying that medication is bad or that it doesn't serve a purpose, and there are times when it is absolutely necessary, but it is not a magic cure. Going through withdrawal of antidepressant medications was almost unbearable, but I got through it. During this time I graduated from nursing school. When I began my new role I hated my job and instantly questioned my career choice. The thought of going to work gave me severe anxiety and I cried everyday. Does this sound like you? If you're anything like me then you know being a perfectionist and a people pleaser is exhausting in the working world. I had to learn how to give up trying to control everything and everyone and trust that I was making the right decisions and everything would work out. I was also in a toxic relationship, but couldn't find the courage to end it. My relationship with my family was tense and forming genuine friendships felt impossible. Are your relationships with the ones closest to you strained or unhealthy? Do you shy away from getting close to people or forming new relationships out of fear of being rejected? I hated everything about myself, and my lack of self esteem along with an unhealthy relationship with food fueled an eating disorder that I battled with for almost two years until I sought professional help. Do you lack confidence to the point where you struggle with poor body image?
If your story is anything like mine then I'm sure you feel completely lost in your early adult years. You may have no idea who you are or what you want in life. You may have unbearable anxiety that is fueling your depression even more. During my early 20s my mental, emotional, and physical health was at its worst and if I didn't do something to change it I would be on a path to a life filled with grief and an early death. Then I discovered wellness coaching and it changed my life. I finally accepted the only way out of my dark hole was to be vulnerable and admit I needed help in order to fully heal. I found solace in exercise. I learned the importance of fueling my body with nutritious foods to nourish my body and mind. I discovered the power of mindfulness and gratitude to combat stress and adversity. I gave up the toxic habits that were holding me back from feeling my best. I became a wellness coach after learning from my mistakes so I can use those lessons to help you. There is no guidebook on how to transition into adulthood while maintaining a healthy mind and body and it is a struggle trying to find your place in the world, but after figuring out how to navigate life's twists and turns myself, I can make that transition easier for you.