A Happy Medium by Erin Murtaugh

Ever since I had been accepted to various colleges last school year, my levels of excitement and anxiety grew as it came closer to me actually going off to college. My stress levels skyrocketed as the time became shorter before I would have to move away for college.

I realized I had a problem. My emotions were taking over my life. Day-to-day tasks became hard for me to accomplish because of how stressed out I was. I knew I needed to get help.

Getting help was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. In September, I was diagnosed with anxiety disorder. It’s a struggle that affects my life daily. If I get stressed out about anything, it throws me into a panic attack, sometimes so bad that I can’t function enough to even communicate with people.

Recently, my anxiety was part of a close relationship in my life, which is why I felt this would be a good time to speak out about mental illness.

Often, mental illnesses are given a stigma that they are fake, made up or just used for attention. This isn’t true. I would do anything not to battle with anxiety on a daily basis. I wish more than anything that I could lead a normal life and not have to worry about having an anxiety or panic attack when something stressful or worrisome happens in my life.

Seeing a professional for my illness has definitely helped, and I’m glad I did, but I also wish I didn’t have to deal with it in the first place.

Having a mental illness is nothing to be ashamed of. They affect so many people, in so many different ways. If there’s one thing I’ve learned from dealing with anxiety, it would be to not be afraid to get help.

Even if it’s not professional support, talking with someone you trust can help immensely. Whether you’re depressed, anxious or anything else in between, don’t be afraid to reach out for help. It’s better to get help rather than wait until it’s too late.

Happy Thanksgiving to all my readers. I hope your holiday is full of family, fun, food and thanks.

 

Albert Lea High School graduate Erin Murtaugh is a first-year student at Rochester Community and Technical College. She can be reached at murtaugh.erin@gmail.com.