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 taking place, and neither did her household. However that second turned 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 rapidly turned one thing deeper. With the assist of her therapist, Andrea opened up concerning 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.”
Luckily, remedy gave Andrea greater than the coping instruments she wanted, it gave her perspective. She realized 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 assist had been a part of her power.
Simply as importantly, Andrea’s religion turned 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 might 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 function.
Andrea got here again from her darkest moments. She had confronted ideas of suicide, however with assist, religion, and the assistance of remedy, she discovered a manner ahead. Andrea is aware of that if she hadn’t, she might 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 by means of 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 ability of sharing her story. The evening earlier than her speech, Andrea prayed, asking God to assist in giving her the power to be absolutely herself.
That’s precisely what Andrea did when she stood on stage and spoke from the center. She didn’t maintain something again. “I wished to point out my true colours and never solely half of me,” Andrea says, “I actually wished to be trustworthy and susceptible.” And her phrases mattered. After her speech, a younger teen approached her and shared that she was going by means of one thing related. Andrea turned to her mother and instructed her she was glad she had spoken from the center, “Some issues actually have to be stated from the center,” Andrea mirrored.
Moments like that remind Andrea why sharing our tales is so vital. “Regardless of what you’re going by means of, 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.
In the present day, Andrea is now not in remedy, however she carries the instruments and classes together with her. Life isn’t good, however she feels comfortable and at peace. She’s ending her affiliate diploma at Florida Southwestern Faculty and plans to switch to Florida Gulf Coast College to check 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 is just not a straight path, nor one we stroll alone. And once we share from the center, we don’t simply heal ourselves. We create house for others to really feel seen, understood, and fewer alone.
