It does get better. The fog. The constant pressure on your chest. Feeling as if your life is just always slightly out of focus.

I had a friend tell me these words a few years ago as I suffered with anxiety and panic attacks. I dismissed them away and thought that I would have to just suck it up and deal with it. That I had not gone through enough ‘bad’ stuff to warrant having anxiety.

But something was off.

I had been going to counseling for over a year at this point, but somehow dismissed the idea of actually having a mental issue. Surely I was too emotional, too sensitive. I just needed to ‘get over it,’ right? Wasn’t this exactly what I had been warned would happen? Unhappiness in midlife? Discontent?

My counselor gave me the diagnosis of PTSD. I shrugged her off almost at once, feeling sure she just felt sorry for me somehow. Through many patient sessions she began to explain to me that my brain lies to me. What I thought was true, wasn’t necessarily. Chemicals, wiring, old survival techniques - all of these had made a specific concoction that led to suffocating thoughts of anxiety, worry, fear. The tiptoeing through life waiting for the shoe to drop. I had danced at one point right? I convinced myself these tentative steps must be the next movement.

I eventually went to another therapist in Atlanta that specialized in EMDR, a treatment for PTSD. She recommended taking medicine in addition to the treatment.

Through all of these steps, I have embraced mental health. Our brains are fascinating and we are still learning more and more about their formation and the way they work. It is an ocean of a matter, large parts yet discovered.

There are many freedoms I have found in studying mental health and my own story, but one of the most profound is simply that you are worth fighting for.

There is NO shame in seeking help. This human thing is hard work and none of us get through it alone. If you are feeling you have tried just about everything and have convinced yourself this is just how it has to be, please know there is so much more. Jesus created us to live abundant free lives with Him. This includes physically, spiritually and mentally.

You are not alone and there are so many people who care about your complete self.

Reach out.

Get help.

You’re worth it.