Andrea’s psychological well being journey started simply earlier than her junior 12 months of highschool when a panic assault earlier than a band efficiency left her in tears and gasping for air. She didn’t perceive what was occurring, and neither did her household. However that second grew to become a turning level as a result of it was clear: Andrea wanted assist.
She started remedy shortly after that incident. At first, it was about managing her nervousness, however it shortly grew to become one thing deeper. With the help of her therapist, Andrea opened up in regards to the painful trauma she’d been carrying alone. She shared for the primary time that she had been sexually assaulted and, with it, the disgrace and self-blame that had been weighing her down. Andrea didn’t wish to cope with these feelings; she “wished to stroll away from all of it.”
Thankfully, remedy gave Andrea greater than the coping instruments she wanted, it gave her perspective. She discovered that her ache didn’t outline her, and neither did her previous. Her therapist helped her see the significance of loving herself – her physique, her thoughts, and her story. Andrea started to know that she was by no means alone and that her household, her family members, and the individuals who confirmed her unconditional love and help had been a part of her power.
Simply as importantly, Andrea’s religion grew to become a supply of therapeutic. She feels that remedy deepened her relationship with Christ and reminded her that she didn’t have to hold her ache by herself. “I may go to God about all of it,” she stated. Andrea shared that He helped her carry the load of her disgrace and gave her the braveness to face the emotions she as soon as tried to bury. Via her religion, she discovered not simply consolation – however objective.
Andrea got here again from her darkest moments. She had confronted ideas of suicide, however with help, religion, and the assistance of remedy, she discovered a approach ahead. Andrea is aware of that if she hadn’t, she may need missed out on the accomplishments that imply a lot to her: changing into president of the Florida Sheriff’s Explorer Affiliation State Board, incomes a university scholarship, and a lot extra. Now, Andrea believes “I can conquer any challenges that come.”
It was via remedy that Andrea found Regular is Overrated. When her therapist requested if she wished to talk on the 2024 occasion, Andrea didn’t hesitate to simply accept. She knew the facility of sharing her story. The night time earlier than her speech, Andrea prayed, asking God to assist in giving her the power to be totally herself.
That’s precisely what Andrea did when she stood on stage and spoke from the guts. She didn’t maintain something again. “I wished to indicate my true colours and never solely half of me,” Andrea says, “I actually wished to be trustworthy and weak.” And her phrases mattered. After her speech, a younger teen approached her and shared that she was going via one thing comparable. Andrea turned to her mother and informed her she was glad she had spoken from the guts, “Some issues actually should be stated from the guts,” Andrea mirrored.
Moments like that remind Andrea why sharing our tales is so vital. “Regardless of what you’re going via, it’s by no means not going to be okay,” she stated. She’s discovered that even when one thing painful occurs, good can nonetheless come from it. Andrea is proud that she stepped as much as share one thing tough – one thing she hadn’t wished to speak about however knew another person would possibly want to listen to.
Right this moment, Andrea is now not in remedy, however she carries the instruments and classes along with her. Life isn’t good, however she feels blissful and at peace. She’s ending her affiliate diploma at Florida Southwestern Faculty and plans to switch to Florida Gulf Coast College to review political science and worldwide enterprise. “Clearly, I need extra out of life,” she stated. “However I wish to be content material with the place I’m at earlier than I get these issues.”
At Regular is Overrated, Andrea provided greater than only a speech—she shared her coronary heart. She reminded everybody listening that therapeutic will not be a straight path, nor one we stroll alone. And after we share from the guts, we don’t simply heal ourselves. We create house for others to really feel seen, understood, and fewer alone.
