What does "mentally stable" mean to you? How do you know when you've become "mentally stable"? How do you know someone who is "mentally stable" doesn't have struggles of their own? What I am trying to say is, I really don't think mentally stable people exist. There are people who excell in some areas of mentality, but are miserable in other areas. They just have learned coping mechanisms that work for them in their own unique situation.

For example if you were a very self-conscious person, most likely you notice when someone else is very fit. If you were someone who was really conscious of their body hair, you'd probably notice how nobody else has excessive body hair, but not pay much attention to their body size. When you have a certain mental illness you notice how nobody else seems to have the same problem as you, so you feel isolated. It's the same principal.

I struggle with a lot of anxiety and depression. I had such bad social anxiety that I couldn't even bring myself to go to class and I started failing college. I'd have panic attacks just walking to class. At home I constantly have a feeling like I'm in trouble, waiting to be punished or something bad to happen to me. I also have a bit of OCD and ADD. Struggled with binge eating and bulemia as a result of body dysmorphic disorder as well.

Dealing with it? It's a daily struggle, but it's still progress. To be honest I just stopped giving a shit.

First I had to recognize my emotions as simply emotions and bursts of chemicals. Emotions are meant to help you, not scare you.

Second I learned how to rationalize my thoughts when experiencing these emotions. What kind of situational factors are contributing to my emotions? Instead of trying to just 'snap out of it' instead try to get through it in a healthy manner. If you were having a panic attack, how would you want your (ideal) mother to comfort you? What would you want her to do/say to calm you down? This is called self-parenting and can be very helpful.

Start slow and focus on improving little by little. A big part of it is recognizing when you are in control and when you are out of control. What's different about your mindset? Really assess your emotions and how you are responding to them. How much control do you really have over how you are feeling at that particular moment?