Hi friends! Thank you so much for all of the support on this video. I will have an update for you soon. I hope you are feeling well!

Thank you for being brave enough to share your story. Thank you for being real, and thank you for giving me hope. 💜

I know it isn’t easy to go through...let alone share with the internet! It’s a conversation that needs to be had, so thank you for sharing your story and being so transparent 💛

Thank you for sharing this and being so raw and real. You are so brave! As teachers we are constantly putting other people’s needs before ours. It’s great you are putting yourself first. You seem like such a strong person. You will get through this 💕

You are TRULY incredible. thank you SO MUCH for being so transparent with your journey. it is really isolating how little people share about this and you do think you’re the only one - especially when you have people in your life that should be closest to you and they actually gaslight you, invalidate your feelings, don’t care what you have to say, etc. Just know I really, REALLY appreciate everything you’re sharing and it’s inspiring me to do the same. and - you’re for sure NOT ALONE, sister.

You are so brave and beautiful! Thank you for blessing us with your story. I felt like I was listening to MY story as it was so familiar with the anxiety, the medication side effects, the overthinking...it was such a struggle for me to reach out for help and as someone who rarely takes medication (I hate it and am very sensitive to side effects) I was terrified. I finally did and went through many medications before determining that it wasn't the right route for me (NOT saying people shouldn't use medication). Finding the right counselor (a hard process) has done wonders for me and I am doing OK (not great) now. Therapy over the phone/computer was so hard but I am now back in person and so thankful! My faith was also an important factor but also a source of stress because of the guilt associated. I just wanted to say thank you for being honest and open and genuinely you! Sending love and prayers!!!! ❤

All teachers I've seen on KZfaq always seem so upbeat like everything is perfect. New viewer here and it's so nice to see somebody open up about mental health. Subscribed xx

I love the honesty and transparency. I have had anxiety for 17years and I know this may sound crazy but my progress has come from accepting my anxiety and allowing it to be apart of my life. Good luck with your journey, I know how hard it is.

I just want to thank you for being yourself and not caring about what others think of you. Your honesty will help so many people in dealing with their own anxiety. Keep bring awareness because everyone is dealing with some type of anxiety at this moment.

Jess, you are fantastic. I know you will get to where you want to be in life, no matter what. I look forward to supporting you in whatever way I can. You got this!

You have no idea how happy it makes me to see you open up and get help and be real with yourself. I found your channel when I was entertaining the idea of teaching 3rd grade. Now I am in the process of getting my masters to teach high school physics (my undergrad major) and I always looked up to you almost as an idol. And as I also struggle with severe anxiety and depression. It is so helpful for my own mental health to see you be a real human. Just as you mentioned. It's nice to not feel alone. Thank you so much for this 💕💕

Thank you for being so raw and open. You are loved and supported!

This must not be easy and especially sharing with us on KZfaq! Thank you for sharing and being so real with us 💛 that is such a big leap in the right direction. Sending you lots of love and kindness. I hope this wonderful community helps you feel a little better and keep moving forward in a positive and healthy way!

Girl, I feel like we are the SAME. Everything you are experiencing is EXACTLY what I’m experiencing. I stopped going to school to become a teacher because I ended up with terrible anxiety and so afraid of parents thinking I suck or that I’m a fraud or imposter. I know I’m good at teaching, but the interactions with people/ parents terrifies me now. I’m so glad to have come across your channel and for you being so open and vulnerable. I don’t feel so alone now. Thank you, so much 🥰

Thank you for being vulnerable and sharing your experiences. You're not alone and you're not going crazy. I appreciate you ! Don't give up!

I really appreciate how honest you are about everything.

Fellow third grade teacher here ❤ I have suffered with both anxiety and depression as well. I'm sorry you're going through this, but I'm amazed by your strength and grace in this situation. I love your videos and am inspired by your teaching. Thank you for sharing your story. You're a rock star!

Thank you for being so real, open and honest! 💕

You said ALL the THINGS! I am a fellow third grade teacher, fellow anxiety-haver, and 24 year veteran teacher. I have never felt as crazy and awful as I have this past year! Keep moving forward-even if you’re not sure you’re doing the right thing, just do SOMEthing. Forward momentum will carry you! Sending you a virtual hug and all good vibes!

Thanks for being open and vulnerable, it helped me to hear someone else’s battle with anxiety. Looking forward to seeing more of your journey.

I'm watching you and all I can think is wow this chick is inspiring I think its incredibly brave to show your vulnerability in the Hope's that the rest of us can see we aren't alone and things CAN get better. Bless you ❤

Thank you for sharing your story. I am also a third grade teacher, and you have been one of my role models for awhile now. I use so many of your creative and fun ideas, and I look forward to watching your videos. I, too, am on anxiety & depression medication. You are not alone and you will not feel like this forever. Stay strong and we will get through this together.

Simply sending you many, many good wishes... and hopes for more of the "better" days and less of the awful ones. Rooting for you, Jess.

Thank you for being so vulnerable Jess! You are in my prayers!

Just came across this video and I can’t tell you how helpful it is just to see you describe your experiences and see how we’re not alone in this fight. I have been going through/gone through things exactly how you have described them and I didn’t think anyone out there knew what I was going through. Thank you so much!!

Thank you for sharing your story. My heart goes out to you .. I am glad you are finding your way through this. Take care.

I'm praying for you. Anxiety and Depression are cruel taskmasters. You are an amazing teacher and human. Sending you hugs, warm thoughts, and love from Texas.

God it feels so good to hear someone else experiencing the same struggles I'm going through. I hate that we have to feel this at all. But it helps knowing I'm not alone.

As a fellow 3rd grade teacher, I feel this. Being able to connect with other educators who feel the same way about things, it is very reassuring. I know it can't be easy to be this transparent, but you are definitely not alone (like you said). Also, lowkey hate you for showing your In and Out when I don't live where they have them anymore lol but seriously, I appreciated your teaching videos, your outfit videos and now I appreciate these videos.

During my 6th year teaching I started taking antidepressants. Its 11 years later and I have been diagnosed with OCD and anxiety disorder too. I’ve been on many different meds and some have worked for years, then needed to change. I’ve gained so much weight from all the meds. But I wouldn’t have it any other way, because I’m still here. My advice- journal or vlog, get support from your tribe, see a counselor, and regularly visit your dr for med checks. If you were on a new med they should schedule a med check after 1 month (in my experience). Never take yourself off a med without dr consent and guidelines ( I learned the hard way). And keep on being you! You are loved by so many in this KZfaq community! 💞

you aren't crazy. you are an empath like me, it's so hard not to feel the pain of the whole world. thanks for sharing again. you aren't alone

I also struggle with depression and anxiety. I felt that, when you were talking about crying at the doctor's office. I was like you, I finally made the decision to seek medical help and spent my initial appointment crying and sobbing to the nurse who checked me in. I had a panic attack the night before the appointment and my husband didn't understand. He thinks its something that I can turn off and on. Mental health in my culture is also very taboo. This all just gave me more fuel to get the help I needed. I was put on sertraline and it has helped tremendously. I'm also a teacher and it was because of my job and some trauma from my job that pushed me to get the help i needed. Keep sharing your story.

I have an appointment for this on Monday.

Thank you for sharing. This was an important video to make. You may not feel it but you are strong and brave...coming on and talking about your struggle is not easy to do. Some people never are able to verbalize how they are feeling. My younger brother has been dealing with anxiety, depression, and OCD. It has taken him awhile to find the right doctor and meds to get him to where he is today but he also made the decision that he was not giving up. I admire you, your courage, and your loving soul.

I think you are amazing. You are brave and strong. Girl, you got this! And. I love you. Big hugs from someone who went/is/will go through all you are feeling. Day by day. ❤️

Girl! I completely and totally get you! I am on anxiety medication as well. I have not yet felt the freedom of being completely me. The feelings and emotions you described I have experienced too. You are not alone. Sending big, encouraging hugs your way! You are brave, you are loved! ❤️

I love that your honest and transparent. I can totally relate to your experiences. Would love if you would keep us updated.

I'm 7 minutes in and almost in tears. THANK YOU for sharing your experience. The thoughts and feelings you were experiencing take me back to 2016 after I had my son. I was thrown into postpartum depression and it was the worst I've ever felt in my life. So scary. When you said you didn't trust yourself and felt outside of your skin, that's EXACTLY how I felt. It took being open and honest with myself and those around me to get the help I needed. I've been battling with anxiety ever since, but without medication. I only used it to get out of the postpartum funk. But with everything going on these past few months, being home with my two little ones while trying to juggle working from home and everything else, it's been coming back full force. I literally just called to made an appointment this morning. I'm proud of you for being so brave to share your life with us, especially these experiences. Stay strong! And know you are looked up to and admired by so many of us.

You are amazing. Thank you for trusting us and sharing your experience.

you have literally described me!! thank you for this! you have motivated me to at least try to get better.

Ugh I can relate to this so much.. thank you for sharing, this is helpful hearing it from other people, the anxiety, depression.. thank you for sharing ♥️

I like this authentic Jess.

I was on Welbutrin for years after I had my daughter and it worked very well for my postpartum, anxiety, etc. I’m so happy it’s working well for you! Thank you for sharing your story. The more we talk about it, the more awareness we can bring to this. Teachers deal with this a lot more than they let on. Due to our profession, we are at a high risk of developing anxiety, depression, etc. You’ve got this girl, and we are all cheering for you! 💪🏼

Appreciate you sharing your journey- you are not alone!!

I feel this all so much. I deal with similar mental health issues and am also a third grade teacher! I am really appreciative of your openness so much. It’s so hard!

I feel your pain: Sending you lots of ❤️❤️❤️ and hugs. It will get better. ✨

please continue sharing, i relate 100% ...its helpful to know i'm not alone...feeling too much! yes ma'am the struggle is real...you're strong!

Wellbutrin made me lose a ton of weight. Just a warning. I had to quit taking it. Celexa is my go to medicine now. Takes the edge off and I feel much better. I also started seeing a Christian counselor and it has been amazing!! Praying for you!!

I needed this video so much, going through all of this right now ! Thankful you did not take this down from two years ago. Thank you for the honesty, I am on second week on Lexapro and I am NOT doing well. Dad is not doing well , so I can’t be doing worse and I am !!!!!!!!

we are literally the same i’m happy i found ur two vids bc it helps me so much!!! and i’m starting meds in two weeks…. not sure what one is the best to do but thank u for the authenticity❤️ hope you’re doing well now

I’m sorry you are going through this- I am right there with you! This summer, I’ve had two panic attacks (one sent me to the hospital because I went into shock and I couldn’t calm myself down). This level of anxiety is completely new to me. Started running every day and scheduled an appointment with my counselor. Slowly starting to feel better but it’s day by day.

Very well said! Thank you for sharing. I can related to your story so much. You are not alone.

Thank you so much for sharing, just watched your 1st video about this and i can relate on so many levels. Thanks for being so brave; I’m about to start lexapro and I’m hoping too be able to get out of this fog or better manage it. Sending you lots of hugs hopefully things have gotten better 💕💕

Came across your channel from your anxiety video and have been waiting to see if you posted an update. I’ve been really struggling with anxiety attacks over the last month and I’m going on 3 weeks since starting Citalopram. It’s been rough on me also... to say the least. I love the realness and honesty of this video and feel like we’re all kind of on this journey together ❤️ Also my daughter is going into 3rd grade this year so I can kind of relate to you on that level as well. ☺️ Best of luck on your anxiety healing, and I sincerely mean that. Hugs - we’ll get through it.

You will also be in my prayers. Sending so much love from Minnesota!

Thank you so much. - you are brave. I understand the anxiety completely. Hearing you talk about this helps a lot :D

thank you for helping me not to take everyone's judgements and criticisms to heart, only focus on those thoughts on those that really love us and people we can trust. xo

was just thinking about you and had checked your channel a couple days ago to check for an upload. thank you for sharing thinking about you💛

just starting medication today. so glad i came across your channel. thank you for sharing your journey ❤️

you are amazing! I am proud that you took the step to get medication to try and make this depression/anxiety manageable. I have been prescribed so many medications for this and my anxiety is so bad I can not bring myself to take the medications because I am terrified of the side effects. Every time I go to take the medication I have a panic attack, I definitely look up to you because you were brave enough to take that chance, and it brings hope that one day I will have the strength to as well.

Your honesty and vulnerability are so powerful to see. You are not alone in this, and your bravery speaks volumes to all of us watching. Sending you peace and positivity. 💜

Tryin to feel what my nephew is goin through is watching through your videos....thank you God Bless

Wow I resonate with this a lot, you’re so genuine. I’m on day two do Lexapro and I will say I think I have a very mild anxiety and depression but it was getting to the point where it was debilitating. So I’m both nervous and excited to see how it works. I’ve definitely already experienced effects. The super happy feeling was day one for me and then today I’m nauseous and heavy-headed. I looked up videos about Lexapro to try and understand other people’s reactions to it to get an idea of what I’m going through and if it’s normal

Thanks for sharing your story 🤗 It is scary trying medication and it's so comforting for me that you're experiencing something that I can relate to (even though I really wish you weren't having such a hard time)! I have your back and I'm excited for updates and I'm down to share whatever is helping me so that it may help you! I have diagnosed OCD and anxiety and what seems to be working for me right now is rock climbing a lot, taking magnesium supplements, and being honest with people around me about what I'm going through. Lexapro didn't feel like a great fit for me and I had side effects which caused me to stop taking it, but I'm open to trying medication again at some point. Now my plan is to double-down on therapy (fortunately I get some free therapy bursaries because of the fact that I'm a student in Canada with a lifelong disability, OCD).

I got that euphoric feeling from wellbutrin too.. make sure its not triggering or bringing out mania. Wishing you all the best..

“I’m not going to crush my soul trying to please anybody” 🙌🏻 💯 yesssss 👏🏻 Still on this journey myself and have struggled a lot back and forth with fear of being vulnerable through my authenticity (even fear that people will not take my spiritual skills seriously if I admit that I have and do struggle with mental health - anxiety/depression/adhd). This video really resonated with me and bouys me up. Thank you for the inspiration 🙏🏻

So so happy for you and this video is EVERYTHING 💕💕💕💕 Always here for you if you need it!

You are so brave! I don’t think you realize how many people are going through the same things you are. I have experienced anxiety and panic attacks for over 20 years. It’s controlled for the most part, but 3 days last week I broke down into tears for no apparent reasons!

Thank you for sharing your feelings. Sharing helps so ,many people that are struggling with similar feelings and your sharing is making a difference. Don’t give up. You’re amazing and things will get better someday. 💕

Thanks again for documenting this experience! I know it's an old video, but really helps anyway

I’m going through the exact same thing 😕 I feel every word that you are saying! I really hope you get well! I’m trying to figure this thing out too and I definitely feel like no one cares ..😔

Proud of you ❤❤

Thank you so much for sharing your experience. I've gone through the same. anxiety and panic attacks, on and off for years. Started when I was around 29 years old. Watching from Texas.

I watched this video and had no idea it was 2 years ago, but it helped me feel so much better about taking Wellbutrin. I finally reached that same point that you talked about with having to make a change, and I just got prescribed Wellbutrin today and have been so anxious and scared of what’s to come, it feels like I’m giving up the reins to a drug. I know you probably won’t revisit comments on a video that’s two years old, but I just want to let you know the impact this video had on me- i feel so much more comfortable and ready to take this thing on and figure out what works!! Even if Wellbutrin isn’t for me, I feel like this video finally gave me the confidence that I can figure out what will work. Thank you again so so much for being you and posting this!!

*Sorry for my English, I speak French (Quebec, Canada). Wanted to say I have been thru the same. Felt almost exactly like that (more anxiety than depression though). With the right medication and a lot of work on myself, I would say I am 80% to 90% better. Took me 9 months without teaching and a lot of pain and feeling like shit, plus a few more months while teaching... I now feel like myself again. My friends told me I am back to who I was 10 years ago (fun and confident). It's been more than a year and I still feel good most of the time (would have been great without COVID...) So, hang in there! It sure is worth it. Even though you can't see it and it takes a loooooooooong time. Future you will appreciate the tough work you are doing for yourself right now. I send you courage and patience.

Girl, I'm going through the same thing. So far I've taken Vraylar, Buspirone, Apiprozole, and now Fluoxetine. I am going to have to change again because the prozac worked for the first week and now isn't working anymore. My psych told me it's trial and error with mental illness and we may have to do a lot of meds or a combo of a few. My point is, I have been through five meds so far, none have worked and I'm still going. Girl, keep going, you'll eventually find the right path for you.. I haven't found mine either..... yet... but we will both get there.

Thank you so much for this video. So relatable

You just told my life story, hon. I couldn’t have been as open, honest and genuine as I just heard you be. Know that I care so much about how you’re life is at any given moment. I too, have been struggling. Please know that I love you so deeply and I miss you so much.

I can relate to you so much ❤️ thank you for sharing 🙌🏻

Thank you for sharing your experience and always take care of yourself first.

You're beautiful! You're authentic!

I have had anxiety and depression since my early teens and have been on so many different anxiety and depression medications. They either didn't work or I had so many side effects that I couldn't deal. My doctor basically said "this one is pretty much the last resort" and guess what? It worked and didn't give me god awful side effects! I also got something that is just for panic attacks, Xanax, as needed...maybe something you can bring up with your doctor until your meds are straight? It is a battle finding what works for you, but you will find it and you will feel better. Thank you for your honesty!

Aww you can do it I started Lexapro because of your first video. But I have a very sensitive system so I’m taking only 2.5mg per day. Thanks for Inspiring me to take a leap of faith. I totally Understand what you are going through and the doubts of not really knowing the real you because of your emotional distress. This too shall pass! I am a Christian and I think the combination of meds and spirituality will help alleviate most of my issues. I’ve tried Wellbutrin but it gave me terrible thoughts and I was very agitated. So hopefully Lexapro works for me and Wellbutrin helps you! Be blessed and thanks for all you do as a teacher that’s a stressful job in itself.

You are a beautiful person just remember the mind is a terrible master but a wonderful servant. Your mind is stuck in fight or flight. There is no external threat the treat is your mind itself. Learn to be your own best friend not your own worst enemy. Your spirit consciousness hadnt awakened yet so your mind is your terrible master. It must become a wonderful servant to your heart which is in turmoil. Find a way to heal your heart the mind will follow through.

Same here.. thank u I'm proud of you ❤

Another fav quote from this vid, “if there’s one comforting thing about the human experience, it’s that we don’t experience anything alone”

Do what you need to and protect your peace! That's something I've had to learn. If you want to vent through a video do so, turn off the comments if you need to. But know that there are people who absolutely understand what you are feeling and will not judge you. Take care!

I am so sorry you are going through all this. I have suffered with panic attacks since my early twenties and it is awful~I just wanted to pass this on though...when my doctor was deciding what medication to put me on, he specifically said no Wellbutrin because of my history of panic attacks. Evidently, Wellbrutin can cause panic attacks...and as you said everyone is different...but wanted to let you know that info. I sincerely hope you are feeling better and find a medication that helps. Take care....

I love your videos!

Please do not stop sharing! You're the first person that actually sounded real and very familiar to me! And, whatever you think, you're sounding more honest & stable. My feelings have been similar to yours all my life. 'Just started Lexapro. I have a couple of odd symptoms, but have not suffered the way you did. I know you are brilliant and attractive. And I believe you will be coming into feeling happier about your life. My saying is the same as yours. Winston Churchill is one of my idols. He's the one who said, " Never, never never give up!" Some hated him, he drank too much, and.....he saved the world!! 😂

Thank you for being vulnerable. I just started lexapro and I’m nervous and excited simultaneously …

I found your channel today while searching on Lexapro and anxiety. I'm so sorry you're going through this but honestly this video and the other.. validates all my own feelings which does help. I know you're going through so much right now, but I hope you find something that helps you! I hope we all do!!

Not negative at all. You're lovely, sis. So worthy of feeling good/stable. I'm glad you kept the messy parts of this... I feel seen. ♡ reach out any time How are you feeling now?

My Gp prescribes me Lexapro. I’m actually too scared to start it! I’m worried about weight gain so much.. after watching your video, I was so encouraged to go and try it. Without trying, we never know

OMG I feel the same way with social anxiety I've been that way my entire life, I was so happy to hear you say that so I don't feel so alone, I always felt like im the only. one that thinks that way, worrying too much what other people think. Everything you said is the same things I have been through, And I would love to get to that good state of mind you are in now, I'm on lexapro for less than one week now, haven't had severe side effects so im gonna keep taking it and hoping the anxiety and depression will start going away so I can feel like myself again. ive already tried Prozac, Zoloft and those both gave me terrible side effects, also I feel like mitrazepine didn't help me at all but im still taking it cause it helps me get the best sleep of my life

I just want u to know I'm suffering from anxiety disorder and depression. Im On lexapro. It is making it hard for me to see. I mean actually be able to focus on thing I'm looking at. I hate it. I had headaches and sweating. But I know what ur going through. It's a battle everyday. Hope everything goes well for u. Keep looking up. ❤

I just want to say thank you.

I have anxiety and I don't have to take meds that guy was so nice

I appreciate you sharing. I'm a man who has had a similar life experience. You're describing things and acting in ways I can relate to including the memory issues, over sharing, etc. Right now I have a giant bottle of Lexapro that was sent to me from am online pharmacy. I paid $120 for it and I don't think I'm even going to take one pill. TBH my life kinda sucks. I don't have a social life, romantic life, a career and I couldn't even finish school. My therapists have blamed it all on untreated anxiety disorder and ADHD. I'm not sure what I will do, but I don't think SSRIs are the answer. I feel pressured by the healthcare industry that this is what I'm supposed to do or I will never be able to live. I was even told that I will die earlier from anxiety if I don't take medication to stop it. I want to experience life without this burden, but I don't want to live with these side effects. You're courageous to share, to go on camera in front of strangers. Maybe I'm just psyching myself out, but there has to be a better way.

I just got home from the doctor...she took me off of 30 years of Prozac and started me on Lexapro. Your video is very helpful and very much appreciated. Thank you so much for the info. Stay well. 🤗😘