Humans of MannMukti

Sai Sailaja Seshadri

2 Minute Read

Too often, people think that mental health is easier to cure than physical health – but that is untrue.

I know that from experience. For over a year now, I have experienced severe anxiety.

It’s a crushing feeling – one minute you’re fine, and then, out of nowhere, crippling anxiety runs throughout your body and consumes you. And most of the time, you’re not even sure why it’s happening, but it is. I am constantly panicking and feel like something bad is going to happen, and that fear has sometimes gotten so bad that it has stopped me from being productive and going about my day.

It is an awful feeling that I can’t even begin to explain.

But I know that I’m not the only one who has experienced it – there are so many others out there too, who have felt the same way that I do.

Which is why I’m finally speaking up about it – I want others out there to know that they are not alone.

It happens to the best of us, and it doesn't make you any less perfect or any less of a person. I have spent over a year hiding, not really talking about this to anyone, but I have decided to change that.

Something that I am trying to do, which has helped for me so far, is to take life one day at a time and tell myself every good thing that has happened every day. And if it is a bad day, remind myself that there is tomorrow. I’ve put off my mental health for too long, but now, I am going to start putting it first and help myself.

ABOUT

In alignment with our mission to encourage others to #SpeakUp about mental health, we’ve created this blog – a passion project highlighting those who wish to share their stories with the world.

Open to anyone, the series features personal anecdotes from members of the South Asian community who have struggled with mental illness – and the stigma that comes along with it.

To submit your story, click here.