Growing up, I was always a shy kid. I hated being the center of attention & would disappear into the background the first chance I got. I started to put in more effort to be more outgoing as I became a teen. What I didn’t expect was the crippling anxiety that would plague me from the age of fifteen after the birth of my first child to my twenties.

In the depths of anxiety, I felt like I want to crawl out of my skin. I sweat profusely & I avoid all social situations, barricaded in my house where I feel safest, paralyzed by the fear of experiencing a panic attacks in public. In the event of an unavoidable obligation, I create a game plan for every possible scenario. I map out all exits and bathrooms. I constantly search for any sign of imminent disaster. I watch the clock, counting down every minute until I can return to my safe haven.

As a Mother and a Wife I refuse to keep letting my Anxiety & Depression win and that was the first step! Admitting that I needed to seek help! So I intentionally did just that! It has not been an easy road but now when I get anxiety attacks I have the tools to do the WORK.

I’ve learned that Depression and anxiety are part of you. Wishing them away or blaming them for every problem that arises will only make things worse. You can’t pretend they aren’t there — but you can learn to use them to your advantage. Let these feelings motivate you to do more, to challenge yourself, to open up your world in ways many people miss out on.

Here are a few of my personal Affirmations that help keep me grounded and at ease when Anxiety creeps in:

I am aware of my surroundings and feel at
peace

I plan for the future and am prepared

I know what I can control and let go of what
I cannot

I do not worry about the past, I learn from it

I am not alone in my life

I am not alone in my struggles

I have people willing to help me when I ask for

My thoughts do not control me

I am stronger than my insecurities

This situation is temporary

I can turn my struggles and weaknesses into
strengths

I inhale fresh air and exhale the toxic air

I am loved and appreciated

I am never alone

The relationships i build are strong and will last

I am taking steps to overcome my anxiety

I’ve survived before and I will survive again

It am not broken beyond repair. I can and will change

My future is brighter than my darkest night
Even though I cart see it I believe in happy