Andrea’s mental health journey began just before her junior year of high school when a panic attack before a band performance left her in tears and gasping for air. She didn’t understand what was happening, and neither did her family. But that moment became a turning point because it was clear: Andrea needed help.
She began therapy shortly after that incident. At first, it was about managing her anxiety, but it quickly became something deeper. With the support of her therapist, Andrea opened up about the painful trauma she’d been carrying alone. She shared for the first time that she had been sexually assaulted and, with it, the shame and self-blame that had been weighing her down. Andrea did not want to deal with those emotions; she “wanted to walk away from it all.”
Fortunately, therapy gave Andrea more than the coping tools she needed, it gave her perspective. She learned that her pain did not define her, and neither did her past. Her therapist helped her see the importance of loving herself – her body, her mind, and her story. Andrea began to understand that she was never alone and that her family, her loved ones, and the people who showed her unconditional love and support were part of her strength.
Just as importantly, Andrea’s faith became a source of healing. She feels that therapy deepened her relationship with Christ and reminded her that she didn’t have to carry her pain by herself. “I could go to God about it all,” she said. Andrea shared that He helped her lift the weight of her shame and gave her the courage to face the feelings she once tried to bury. Through her faith, she found not just comfort – but purpose.
Andrea came back from her darkest moments. She had faced thoughts of suicide, but with support, faith, and the help of therapy, she found a way forward. Andrea knows that if she hadn’t, she might have missed out on the accomplishments that mean so much to her: becoming president of the Florida Sheriff’s Explorer Association State Board, earning a college scholarship, and so much more. Now, Andrea believes “I can conquer any challenges that come.”
It was through therapy that Andrea discovered Normal is Overrated. When her therapist asked if she wanted to speak at the 2024 event, Andrea didn’t hesitate to accept. She knew the power of sharing her story. The night before her speech, Andrea prayed, asking God to help give her the strength to be fully herself.
That’s exactly what Andrea did when she stood on stage and spoke from the heart. She didn’t hold anything back. “I wanted to show my true colors and not only half of me,” Andrea says, “I really wanted to be honest and vulnerable.” And her words mattered. After her speech, a young teen approached her and shared that she was going through something similar. Andrea turned to her mom and told her she was glad she had spoken from the heart, “Some things really need to be said from the heart,” Andrea reflected.
Moments like that remind Andrea why sharing our stories is so important. “Despite what you’re going through, it’s never not going to be okay,” she said. She’s found that even when something painful happens, good can still come from it. Andrea is proud that she stepped up to share something difficult – something she hadn’t wanted to talk about but knew someone else might need to hear.
Today, Andrea is no longer in therapy, but she carries the tools and lessons with her. Life isn’t perfect, but she feels happy and at peace. She’s finishing her associate degree at Florida Southwestern College and plans to transfer to Florida Gulf Coast University to study political science and international business. “Obviously, I want more out of life,” she said. “But I want to be content with where I’m at before I get those things.”
At Normal is Overrated, Andrea offered more than just a speech—she shared her heart. She reminded everyone listening that healing is not a straight path, nor one we walk alone. And when we share from the heart, we don’t just heal ourselves. We create space for others to feel seen, understood, and less alone.