You Deserve Happiness and Health
Today is the start of Mental Health Awareness Week; a week to promote good mental health for all and encourage conversation about the importance of talking about your mental wellbeing. To begin the week, we have a piece written for us by SRUC Elmwood alumna and vlogger Chloe Donald who speaks openly about her anxiety.
“You deserve happiness and health”, Chloe Donald
For many years, I struggled with severe anxiety. It was so bad I couldn’t even bring myself to get out of bed. It was mentally and physically draining. This didn’t do me any favours as at this time, I had left college and needed a job. It was a huge struggle to even get a job when I felt this anxious. The thought of going for the interview then working in an environment I wasn’t comfortable with was terrifying. I was also having trouble keeping friendships with people. I kept cancelling plans, ignoring texts and not leaving my bedroom. Some of my friends just thought I was being ignorant and lazy. Which was certainly not the case. My relationship with my family got worse too. I was very irritable as I felt so down, I would seem very angry most of the time. Which created arguments between myself and people I loved. Which really took a toll on our close relationships. Since I lived with my mum, she got it the worse. Every conversation turned into an argument. At that point, I knew something had to change. I also had a huge fear of speaking about my anxiety, it embarrassed me. I felt stupid. I never told anyone that was what was bothering me. I soon had to make a doctors appointment, I fought through the fear. I admit, I did cry the whole appointment to my doctor. But, in the end, it was worth it. Doctors DO help. I promise you that. I also spent my free time doing things I loved. Which is easy to lose interest in while you feel so low, I understand. For me, I found happiness in Roman Atwood, a YouTuber who strives on positivity and lifting people up. I found the courage to get a job, actually go to the job. Find new friends, leave the house and not cause arguments with those I was around. I got healthier and happier. The biggest piece of advice I can give anyone is do something for YOU and get the help you need. You deserve happiness and health. Find your happiness through something you love, whether it be YouTubers, a TV show, a sport, an art or a music genre. Be strong and fight for your happiness, believe in yourself and you’ll conquer the world.
