Mental Illness Or Something Else?

Growing up, I always felt like something was off. I struggled with my emotions, often feeling overwhelmed and unable to cope with everyday life. My parents attributed it to teenage angst, but as I got older, the feelings only intensified. It wasn't until I reached my late twenties that I decided to seek help. After a series of therapy sessions, I was diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder and depression. This revelation was both a relief and a burden. It was a relief to finally have a name for what I was experiencing, but it was also a burden to come to terms with the fact that I had a mental illness. I began taking medication and attending regular therapy sessions, which helped me manage my symptoms. Over time, I learned coping mechanisms and strategies to navigate my mental health challenges. While it's still a daily struggle, I've come to accept that mental illness is a part of who I am, and I'm committed to breaking the stigma surrounding it.