Hey friend! Yes you! Chances are that if you stumbled across this post, you or someone you know is having a rough time right now. And maybe it’s been going on for a while. 

There may be days where that depression hits hard, and you sit alone in your home with thoughts racing through your mind if it’s all even worth it? If you are worth it. Maybe it’s the anxiety, that horrible feeling that seems to surge through your body in overwhelming waves and it’s so frustrating that all you want to do is scream, but you stay silent because you don’t want anyone to think that there is something wrong with you.

Let me tell you, there isn’t.

Believe me, I get it. When I was 16 years old, I was diagnosed with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. We hear jokes about it all the time to refer to people who are neat freaks or perfectionists, but it really is nothing at all like it’s depicted in the media. It’s a hard struggle with scary thoughts (obsessions) that need to be combated with certain actions (compulsions) sometimes nothing relating one to the other. It was hard. Sometimes it still is. 

It was not until recently that I even shared this struggle with anyone that wasn’t extremely close to me. Because I, like maybe you right now, didn’t want people to think that there was something wrong with me or that I was somehow broken. But I’m here to encourage you that if you are feeling that way…get those horrible lies out of your head. 

You are beautiful, wonderful, and made with a purpose.

Your life has meaning, and value, and in case no one ever told you, you matter! You really, REALLY do. 

It’s debilitating, I get it. It’s confusing, I get it. You may be reading this and feel like there is no way that anyone could possibly understand what you are going through. And, you know what? I don’t. Because those challenges are unique to you. But what I do know is that those ‘disorders’ do NOT define you, and do not have to limit you.

Word of advice? You are so much more than what your thoughts and feelings are telling you right now. I’ve heard it said that feelings are great companions but horrible leaders. Don’t listen to their leading. Don’t believe the lie that the way you are right now is the way you will always be. I am proof that you can overcome! Thank God that I am living, breathing proof that you can go on to do amazing things regardless of what you’ve faced in the past or even right now. 

And however cliché this may sound, there is light at the end of that tunnel. There is a sunrise after that dark night. There is a spring after that bitter winter. You can come out of that dark place and come out better. 

You may not feel like you have that kind of strength right now. It’s just too hard and too dark and too strong, it’s ok. I know it’s easier to just give in to those feelings. 

The struggle is real, for sure. But if I leave you with anything is that your feelings are just that, feelings. Your thoughts are just that, thoughts. They are real, but they aren’t true. You are so much more! Don’t let them define you, or limit what you can become, because if you just wait out this storm, just push through a little longer, I guarantee that a rainbow will be just around the corner!

Author:  Anagabriela Hercha, International United Miss Colorado Teen