I've recently realized how long I have struggled with intense anxiety.  Growing up I didn't know it had a name.  I just thought it was the ever present pain in my chest.  The closest thing I could call it was fear but it wasn't that really.  It was something else.

Since then I have learned to combat this creeping feeling.  I've learned tricks and exercises that help me cope.

I want my kids to know that, if they ever struggle with mental illness, it is ok.  You are not weak.  You are not less and you can fight back.