The first time I struggled with my own mental health to a serious extent was March of the year 2020, when I began to develop a form of an eating disorder called orthorexia. I was only in 6th grade at this point, and it would be 4 months until my parents realized I was struggling. Once I started treatment, I was forced to gain 30 pounds before I learned how not to flinch at every bite, causing me extreme anxiety. This anxiety developed into OCD, a disorder I would struggle with an incredibly severe case of for the next several years.  Throughout the years of my mental illnesses, I did not attend school often. By my freshman year of high school, I was mentally stable enough to attend school full time. Because my mental health had been my top priority for my entire middle school experience, I entered high school with no friends or student skills. I am now a sophomore in high school with a secure group of friends, a good GPA, and a new perspective. Because of my battle with mental health I learned to be empathetic, to overcome & solve problems, and most importantly I learned how to use my negative experiences to create positivity. As a result, I have been able to be a great comfort to many of my friends and peers who struggle with their own mental health. I am planning to major in psychology in college and to become a clinical psychologist!