Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Natalia Lazo. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Natalia, sincerely appreciate your selflessness in agreeing to discuss your mental health journey and how you overcame and persisted despite the challenges. Please share with our readers how you overcame. For readers, please note this is not medical advice, we are not doctors, you should always consult professionals for advice and that this is merely one person sharing their story and experience.
Mental health issues can feel so debilitating. Fiery sensations trickle through my chest cavity as my mind races with thoughts, and I feel the fight or flight responses threatening to take over my body. Suddenly, I snap myself out of it and remember that I am in a public setting and have to remain calm. This is a common obstacle for a lot of us despite the efforts we make to combat the phenomenon of anxiety. The invisible forces of anxiety and depression have chased me most of my life, but I have proven to myself that I am resilient and can persist despite the uneasiness my body feels sometimes. The strategies I have implemented are what has worked best for me, but hopefully they can inspire someone else. When I’m having racing thoughts due to anxiety, the best thing I can do for myself is to stay organized and plan ahead so that I can quiet some of those “what if” worries. I have also identified trustworthy confidants that I can vent to and seek comfort from. I use my free time to pour back into myself and do things that make me feel good from the inside out such as beauty maintenance and trying new restaurants. Sometimes, though, it can seem like even the most well-intentioned strategies can fall through, knocking us back to square one. I had the honor and privilege of raising the most energetic puppy I have ever laid my eyes on, my beloved French bulldog named Snoop. Snoop’s loyalty knew no boundaries, with his contagious curiosity and infectious aura brightening up each of my days. Raising my first pet was great for my mental health. We would practice new tricks, go for nice walks, and bond 24/7 as Snoop never wanted to leave my side. I poured my heart into caring for him until the very end, but my little fighter ultimately succumbed to intense and frequent epileptic episodes. Witnessing these events and being left to pick up the pieces after proved to be a significant disruption to my mental health journey. Suddenly the life was sucked out of my spirit again, but I knew I had to continue forward despite new trauma creeping onto my plate. I want to emphasize to readers that setbacks are significant no matter how big or small. However, there is power and capability inside of all of us. We must push through and tap into our resources. Spending time outside in the sun, opening up to a loved one, rooting yourself in spirituality and faith, talking to a therapist, exercising, and making time for hobbies and friends are all great ways to take our minds off of stress and distract ourselves for a little while. When I find myself feeling overwhelmed with grief, it is a reminder to relinquish control and let the time passing serve as a vehicle towards healing.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
My name is Natalia and I’m from the South Bay. I currently devote my professional career to youth education and mental health advocacy as well as continuing to pursue my creative passion for poetry. My hope is to tell my story through my writing, and use it to connect with other folks who can relate to me.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Over the course of my upbringing, I have learned how to navigate through countless challenges and celebrations alike. The three qualities that have helped me along the way are to practice mindfulness, work on acceptance, and to maintain a close circle. Practicing mindfulness has been impactful on my journey because it helps to keep me grounded and rooted in reality. Mindfulness is defined as “mental state achieved by focusing one’s awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one’s feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations…” This tool has greatly helped me to de-escalate anxious situations because it guides me out of my overthinking and back into the present. Whether it’s a breathing exercise, concentrating on a quiet meal, or practicing guided meditation, mindfulness is a quick method that can be useful for anyone. Working on acceptance has helped me work on my inner peace. There are so many times in life where unforeseen circumstances create roadblocks, and it can be really hard to combat the stress it creates. However, dwelling on what we cannot change is not productive. We deserve happiness, and sometimes that means letting go of the way we think things are supposed to go and pivoting to the next solution. Furthermore, maintaining a close circle has greatly benefited my mental health. It’s very easy for me to keep things bottled in, but there is so much relief that rushes in after finally reaching out to my support system. Feeling seen and heard by loved ones always serves as a warm reminder that I’m not alone, a reminder that all of us deserve.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
The most impactful thing my parents did for me was provide stability and structure through every stage of my life.Today I am able to reflect on what a blessed life they provided me and appreciate the way it guided me towards a bright future.Their love, patience, advice, and presence became critical pieces of my backbone. Their union and collective hard work shaped the person I am today for the better. I could never take their influence for granted and aspire to always follow their blueprint!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.nataliacamillelazo.com
- Instagram: wzrdnatalia
Image Credits
Julianna Salinas
