In this episode of the Strength Beyond Struggle podcast, host Michele Nelson speaks with Jayden De La Rosa about herpersonal journey with anxiety and mental health challenges. Jayden shares her experiences with crippling anxiety, suicide ideation, and the impact of her diabetes diagnosis on her mental health. The conversation explores the importance of advocacy, the role of mental health facilities, and the power ofconnection and encouragement in overcoming struggles. Jayden's story serves as a beacon of hope for others facing similar challenges, emphasizing the need for understanding and support in mental health.

Keywords

mental health, anxiety, suicideideation, advocacy, NAMI, personal stories, support, resilience, youth mentalhealth, coping strategies

Takeaways

• Jayden's anxiety began in her early teens after being diagnosed with diabetes.
• Anxiety can lead to severe isolation and suicidal thoughts.
• Mental health challenges often stem from a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
• Advocacy and sharing personal stories can help others feel less alone.
• Connection and support from peers and family are crucial in overcoming mental health struggles.
• Jayden found strength in her love for family and friends during her darkest moments.
• Mental health facilities can vary in effectiveness; personal experiences differ widely.
• Group therapy provided Jayden with a sense of community and understanding.
• The importance of planting seeds of hope in others through encouragement.
• Anxiety is a serious condition that can have life-threatening consequences.

Sound Bites

• "I tried committing suicide."
• "I was only 17. I was a baby."

• "I planted the seed."

  Chapters

  00:00Introduction to Jayden's Journey

  02:51The Impact of Anxiety on Life

  05:33Turning Points and Moments of Crisis

  12:19Navigating Mental Health Facilities

  16:35Finding Connection and Support

  19:51Advocacy and Empowerment Through Storytelling

  22:16The Power of Connection and Hope

  26:26Understanding Anxiety: A Widespread Challenge

  29:26The Complexity of Anxiety Disorders

  31:23The Impact of Trauma and Genetics on Anxiety

  31:50Embracing Uniqueness and Individuality

  Jayden spoke for more than 40 million adults – and for abouta third of American teenagers.

  That’s because she had to find a way to live with cripplinganxiety –the most common mental health challenge in the nation.

  We’re still trying to figure out what causes normal stress,fear, and vigilance to spin out of control.

  But for about 20% of US adults and 32% of teens – theanxiety can become disabling.

  And they suffer a higher risk of suicide, according to theNational Institutes of Health.

  One recent National Health Survey concluded that 44% of theUS population say they suffer from anxiety.

  But another 13% who reported all the symptoms – don’t thinkthey’re anxious.

  Many people with an anxiety disorder also suffer frombipolar disorder, ADHD, sleep disorders, headaches, substance abuse, eating disorders, and irritable bowel syndrome.

  So, what causes this debilitating, pervasive, unrealistic fear?

  Well, genes have something to do with it. Anxiety often runsin families. Turns out, women are much more likely to suffer from an anxiety disorder than men.

  It’s also linked to childhood trauma, rape, domesticviolence, the death of a loved one or exposure to violence. Even a serious or chronic illness can play a role indeveloping anxiety.

  You can find summaries of all the research on our website, Strength Beyond Struggle.org.

  Anxiety that disables looks a lot like normal fear in thebrain. That's useful bu can get hijacked – by trauma,PTSD, child abuse – or even diabetes or depression. It wears a grove in your brain. Pretty soon, you can’t stop being afraid – even when it makes no sense.

  Fortunately, there are options. Anti-anxiety drugs – or antidepressents and therapy – work for many people.

  You just must want to change so you can live at peace inyour own brain.