When you can finally take a step back to breathe and rationalize, that’s how you know you are going to be OK.

For years now, I have suffered from severe depression and anxiety, but I never imagined it was going to get worse. For the last year, I have spent my days being consumed with anxiety along with the inability to control my mind and body. I didn’t know what was becoming of me, and I couldn’t see how things would get better because all I saw was the blur of life passing me by.

I have spent roughly a year learning about myself and what triggers my emotions. I still have not completely discovered what sparks anxiety for me, but I know that I am not one to be subtle about my emotions.

It was very hard for me to learn some strategic tactics about myself and to be able to get my head right and to see the light at the end of the tunnel, so to speak. I knew that I needed to start looking for positivity to incorporate into my life. The alternative was mental, emotional and physical uncertainty.

I proceeded to start on a journey to discover my purpose in life. I began with finding a local mental health care therapist to help me work out my emotional and mental thoughts and feelings. That alone helped me feel significantly better. I worked with a therapist who was very insightful and has continued to help me make progress.

I needed to do a lot of work. I had a lot of toxic relationships in my life that consumed my thoughts and feelings and changed who I was into someone I never wanted to be. My journey isn’t easy, but I still strive every day to kick my inner demons.

Aside from the therapy I sought out, I had a lot of time on my hands to self reflect. It allowed me to see what had been dragging me down. I chose to take action to take my life back. It takes a lot of strength to push past any negativity in your life, but I really do commend those who can do so or are still trying to find the strength to do so.

I find that if you form a solid support system and you find something that you can pour your mind, body and soul into, you can pull out of your hardship. This is what helped me realize who I want to be and what I want for myself.

Over the years, I have discovered that I am an individual who suffers from depression and anxiety, but can still be strong enough to push past the negatives. I learned some coping skills along the way.

I have chosen to accept how things can be at times, even if I don’t always take the news the easiest way possible… At the end of the day though, I can say that I am OK, and you can be too.