My Journey Through Depression and Anxiety by Anelisse Arroyo

Living with social anxiety and depression feels like trying to swim while being pulled under by invisible waves. People might not see it, but I feel it every day — the racing thoughts, the heavy heart, and the constant fear of judgment. My name is Anelisse Arroyo, and this is my story of how I’m learning to deal with something that isn’t easy to talk about, but is very real.

The Silent Struggle. For a long time, I didn’t know how to explain what was happening inside me. My social anxiety made even the smallest things-like raising my hand in class, walking into a room, or speaking up feel terrifying. I worried constantly about what people thought of me. It wasn’t just shyness; it was like my brain was stuck in fight-or-flight mode all the time. Then came the depression, like a shadow that followed me everywhere. Some days I didn’t want to get out of bed. I didn’t feel like myself. I didn’t feel anything. It’s hard when you’re surrounded by people, but you still feel alone.

Learning to Breathe. What I’ve learned is that healing doesn’t happen all at once. Dealing with depression and anxiety means learning to breathe through the storm, even when it feels like it will never end. One of the first steps I took was being honest-with myself, and eventually, with someone I trusted. Opening up to a friend or a family member felt scary, but it also made me realize I didn’t have to carry all this weight alone.

Coping One Step at a Time. Some things that help me cope may seem small, but they matter. Writing: Expressing my thoughts in a notebook or through poetry helps me release the feelings I can’t say out loud. Breathing exercises: When I feel a panic attack coming on, I take slow, deep breaths and remind myself that I’m safe. Getting outside: Even a short walk in the sun helps lift the fog in my mind. Listening to music: The right lyrics make me feel understood, like i’m not the only one going through this. Therapy: Talking to a counselor helped me understand what I’m feeling-and gave me tools to manage it.

Knowing I’m Not Alone. It’s easy to feel like no one understands. But i’ve learned that so many people struggle quietly with mental health. By sharing my experience, I hope others know they’re not alone. There’s no shame in having anxiety or depression. It doesn’t make me weak-it makes me human. And every day I choose to keep going, I prove myself that I’m stronger than I think.

Moving Forward. I’m still learning. I still have hard days. But I’m also learning to celebrate the small wins-like showing up, speaking up, or simply making it through the day. My story isn’t over, and I have hope that it will keep getting better.

If you’re reading this and you’re struggling too, please know this: You are not broken. You are not alone. You are worthy of healing and love.

My name is Anelisse Arroyo, and I’m learning how to live, grow , and shine-even in the middle of the storm.