I used to think that exam season was the worst thing ever. A time meant for understanding and learning, but instead it felt like a stressful struggle caused by a fear of failing. This anxiousness and fear made finishing final projects and preparing for tests a difficult activity. I remember experiencing a feeling of loneliness like I was the only going through all of this, which negatively impacted my mental well-being. My lowest moments were when I didn't even know how to deal with these emotions.

I recall experiencing disconnection and struggling with negative emotions, which negatively impacted my mental well-being. But I was fortunate enough to delve into anxiety coping strategies, turning my despair into hope. However, this is a privilege that many individuals in our community do not have access to. Anxiety, a widely prevalent mental health disorder affecting 284 million people globally (World Health Organization, 2017), is often ignored in our public discussions. 

As a concerned and affected citizen, I am calling for our city’s leader to prioritize mental health by holding regular workshops on anxiety and its impact, raising public awareness and providing necessary resources to those in need. This would not only destigmatize the condition but also extend life-saving knowledge to those grappling with the same struggles as I did.

This is our chance to make our city a beacon of mental health awareness, a supportive place where no one has to struggle with anxiety alone. Please sign this petition urging the Mayor to address this pressing need.