Hi there, I’m Kristen, the creator of Smile Instead. I started this blog because I’ve been on my own journey of healing and self-discovery, and I want to help others who may be struggling with similar challenges. When I was 19, I was diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder and began experiencing panic attacks. These attacks were followed by periods of intense depression, which left me feeling isolated and helpless.

To cope, I learned what my triggers were and avoided them completely. This meant missing out on a lot of social events and experiences that many people take for granted. It wasn’t until I moved in with my partner at the age of 26 that I realized I couldn’t hide from these things anymore. I knew I was ready to begin my healing journey, so I went back to the doctor and started taking medication to manage my anxiety.

Finding the right medication wasn’t easy, but once I did, it was like a weight had been lifted from my shoulders. I was able to face my fears and start living my life again. Since then, I’ve been actively seeking resources and tools to help me stay on the path of bettering myself and creating a brighter future. I started Smile Instead so that I could share what I’ve learned with others who may be going through similar struggles.