Your Corner

It is essential to have a group of people in your corner especially when you are going through a rough time. I use to believe that I could get through things on my own. My motto was that “I do not need anyone.” However, looking back, I now realize this was not a healthy way to handle emotional distress.

A few weeks ago, I had a terrible anxiety attack because I thought I failed an exam. I have had a few anxiety attacks before, but this one was like no other. I was shaking. I felt like I could not breathe. My heart was beating so fast that I thought it was going to fall out my chest. I could not stop myself from crying. I thought this experience would never end. For three hours, this anxiety attack continued. Throughout this time, I could not get myself to pick up the phone and call someone for support. I did not think anyone would care about what I was going through or would just dismiss my feelings and tell me to “get over it.”

However, after three hours my distress became unbearable. I called one of my friends and explained to her why I was upset and that I could not get myself to calm down. To my surprise, she comforted me and was there for me. She acknowledged how I felt, related to me by expressing that she also stresses out about school, and she even took me out for ice cream to make me feel better.

It is okay to not be okay. It is okay to need others. Seeking help from others does not make you weak, however, it takes strength to ask for help. Having people to talk to and be there for you will shed some light on your bad days.

Who’s in your corner? Who or what helps you when you’re feeling overwhelmed, stressed, anxious, or sad?