A year ago, I decided to start prioritising my mental health. It’s strange to think about who I was back then and how far I’ve come since. Honestly, it feels like I’ve lived a lifetime in these twelve months. Looking back now, I feel a mix of emotions—pride, gratitude, and even a bit of disbelief that I’ve made it this far.
I still remember the moment it all changed. Anxiety and panic attacks were ruling my life, making even the simplest things feel impossible. I knew I couldn’t keep living like that. Asking for help wasn’t easy; it was terrifying. I was so scared of being judged or seen as weak. But reaching out turned out to be one of the most powerful things I’ve ever done. It felt like finally saying, “I’m worth saving.”
The thing about recovery is that it’s not some straight road you walk down. It’s more like a rollercoaster—full of twists, turns, and unexpected drops. There were days I felt unstoppable, like I could handle anything life threw at me. And then there were days I couldn’t even get out of bed. But through it all, I’ve learned that those bad days don’t erase the progress I’ve made. They’re just part of the process.
I’ve learned so much about myself this past year. Like how important it is to be patient with myself. Healing doesn’t happen overnight, and that’s okay. I’ve learned how crucial it is to have people in your corner—whether it’s a therapist, a friend, or just someone who’s willing to listen. And I’ve realised how much joy there is in celebrating the little victories. Managing my anxiety, going a whole week without a panic attack, or just making it through a tough day—those are all wins.
One of the most surprising things has been rediscovering my creativity. Writing, painting, and creating jewellery have become my outlets. They’ve helped me process emotions I didn’t even know I had. It’s like I’ve reconnected with a part of myself that I thought I’d lost.
As I think about the year ahead, I’m filled with hope. Now, it’s on to getting to the core root of it all—hopefully finding out why my body is always fatigued and in so much pain. I know there will still be challenges, but I also know I’m stronger now. My goal isn’t perfection—it’s progress. It’s continuing to show up for myself, even on the hard days. And maybe, by sharing my journey, I can help someone else feel a little less alone.
If you’re reading this and you’re struggling, please know that it’s okay to ask for help. It’s okay to take things one day, or even one moment, at a time. And it’s more than okay to celebrate how far you’ve come, even if it doesn’t feel like much. You’re doing better than you think.
Here’s to a year of growth, resilience, and finding joy in the journey—one step at a time.
