I don't think that all mental health disorders are the same, or that everyone's journey to find mental health is the same. I think that some people develop mental health issues later in life, and that others are born this way.  I was born this way.

I started having anxiety attacks when I was 5.  I slept walked.
People saw me as an inflexible bratty child because I couldn't handle change. If I didn't know exactly what was going to happen during a given day, down to what I was going to wear and eat, I would melt down.

I have dealt with my anxiety disorder in a variety of unhealthy ways, from drugs, to alcohol, to dangerous eating habits; all in an attempt to soothe my anxiety. My anxiety has effected all of my close relationships, as well as my work and my ability to function.

I have started going to therapy on a regular basis and working on healthy coping mechanisms. It's been great, and I have gotten to the point in my therapy where I have begun to feel clarity. I feel like finally I might be getting "better".

I want to tell you a secret: there is no "cured" in mental health. It is exhausting to stay mentally well.  There is no magic cure to make it all go away. You'll always have to do the work to take care of yourself.  It's a fight, it's a struggle, and you have to choose it everyday.