Testimonials

This is Sanjana's Story.

Sanjana Karani is a Cam’s Kids Ambassador from St. Mary’s University in Halifax. This is Sanjana’s Story. 

What has your experience with mental health and/or anxiety been like? My experience with anxiety has been like a roller coaster, you never know what turns it might take. I have been suffering from anxiety since I was 8 years old but was diagnosed later on. I remember seeking or rather craving help when I was younger but received none. I then sort to help myself given that I had access to resources that I never did earlier in life. I have had various symptoms of anxiety-like chest pains, insomnia, shivering, vomiting, headaches, dizziness, disassociation, body pain and stiffness and remuneration of the past.

When did you realize you needed to start focusing on your mental health?I realized something was different since I was a teenager and tried understanding myself and looking for answers.

What happened to make you realize this?
A conversation with a couple of high school friends and how they did not seem to understand what this was and what kind of emotions or worry I was going through.

What did you do after you realized this?
Due to a lack of resources, there wasn’t much that I could do or change. The only thing I did as a child and a teenager was share with my parents and look for answers from them but got shut down instead. It was only when I came to Canada for my undergrad, I was able to take counselling services and focus on myself.

What are some ways that you take care of your mental health/anxiety?
Some ways are, performing self-care that could be as simple as skin care, manicure and pedicure, working out and eating healthy. I also maintain a gratitude journal alongside a daily journal to pen down my thoughts. Sometimes indulging in meditation to calm myself.