Hey there, it’s Pia! As I sit down to reflect on my mental health journey, I’m filled with a mix of gratitude and a sense of amazement. The past few months have been a whirlwind of growth, learning, and healing, and I can’t help but feel proud of the progress I’ve made. It all started back on January 3, 2025, when I made the decision to take the first step towards conquering my anxiety. It was a big, bold move, but one I knew I had to make.
Read: Mental Health Journal #1
Taking the Leap: Seeking Help
Looking back, I can see how big of a moment it was for me to finally admit that I needed professional help. For the longest time, I thought I could just power through on my own. But deep down, I knew I needed support. So, on January 6, I started taking antidepressants, and honestly, it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I wasn’t going to let my mental health be something I tried to handle alone anymore. I knew I needed a little extra help to get through this—and I’m so thankful I took that leap!
Now, here we are on April 15, and I’m officially on my 39th day of taking antidepressants. Looking back, it’s amazing to see how much better I’m doing. Sure, I still have a few mild panic attacks here and there, but when I compare how I feel now to how I felt a year ago, it’s night and day. I’ve come so far, and it feels like I’m finally starting to move in the right direction.
New Beginnings and Exciting Changes
A lot has changed in the past few months, and honestly, it’s all been a bit exciting. First off, I’ve got a job now! I’m about two months in, and even though I’m still adjusting to everything, I absolutely love it. The people are amazing, my boss is supportive, and even though the product is a bit stressful, the overall vibe is so much more relaxed than I imagined. I can honestly say it’s been a huge weight off my shoulders.
Another big change? I’ve let go of my business—at least for now. It wasn’t easy, but I realized I needed to take a break and focus on my health first. It’s been a relief to not have that extra pressure weighing on me, and while I’m sure I’ll return to it at some point, I’m giving myself permission to just breathe for a while.
I’m still on antidepressants, and while I do occasionally use sleeping pills when I need them, I can already tell they’re helping me feel calmer and more grounded. It’s a work in progress, but I’m feeling more at peace than I have in a long time.
Health Worries and Lessons Learned
Of course, no journey is without its bumps along the way. One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced recently has been some chest pains. Naturally, I freaked out a little, but after getting a couple of ECGs done, the results came back normal. It was such a relief, but I also have to remind myself that anxiety can show up in physical ways. It’s a reminder that I can’t always trust the worst-case scenarios my mind creates.
On top of that, my cholesterol levels have been a bit of a concern. My LDL cholesterol is currently sitting at 148, which is on the high end. But I’m not freaking out. I know I’ve got the power to make changes, whether it’s through eating better, moving more, or just being more mindful of my health. This is my reminder to take care of myself, and I’m ready to make those improvements.
I also realized that my focus has shifted away from obsessing over my blood pressure (finally!) and more toward checking my heart health. It’s still a bit of a struggle because I’ve always been a bit of a control freak, but turning off the heart rate monitor on my Apple Watch was a small win for me. It might sound silly, but it’s a huge step in learning to trust that everything is okay.
The Road Ahead: A New Perspective on Healing
So, what’s next for me? I’ve learned a lot these past few months. I’ve learned to embrace the idea that progress isn’t always linear, and that’s okay. Some days are easier than others, and that’s all part of the journey. I’m so grateful for where I am right now, and I feel hopeful about what’s to come.
Medication has truly been a game-changer for me. It’s not a magic fix, but it has given me the space I need to focus on my healing. It’s helping me find peace, and for that, I’m beyond thankful. But I couldn’t have done this without the support of my family. They’ve been my rock through all of this, and their love and encouragement have meant the world to me.
If you’re reading this and you’re struggling too, I want you to know that you’re not alone. It’s okay to seek help, and it’s okay to take medication if that’s what you need. You don’t have to do this on your own. Healing is a process, and every step forward counts—even the small ones.
I’m excited about the future. I’m ready to continue learning, growing, and becoming the best version of myself. This is just the beginning, and I’m looking forward to what’s next.
Thank you for being part of this journey with me. Let’s keep growing together!
