My name is Kristiyana Yordanova, and I am honoured to hold the title of Miss International Bulgaria 2024. As a reigning beauty queen, I am driven to inspire and motivate the younger generation by teaching them that life is a journey of continuous learning. We all face challenges, encounter obstacles, and experience vulnerability. I want to remind you that these difficulties are what shape us, making us stronger and more confident in ourselves.
The Harsh Reality of Bullying
Growing up, I experienced the harsh reality of bullying firsthand, and it had a profound impact on me. When I emigrated from Bulgaria to Canada at eight years old, I immediately felt different from everyone else. Not speaking English, dressing differently, and having a distinct cultural background made me stand out in ways I had not anticipated. Initially, I was placed in an ESL class with other students from around the world, but many of the other children bullied us for being different. I often came home in tears, struggling with pent-up emotions, a challenge that persisted into my adolescence.
The fear of not fitting in can be overwhelming, especially for a child. Bullying often leaves you feeling isolated and vulnerable, as if you don’t belong. You might feel compelled to change who you are just to be accepted. After an especially painful day at school, I sat alone, tears streaming down my face. I was at a crossroad. I had to decide whether to change myself to fit in or to embrace and be proud of my unique qualities. I chose the latter. I promised myself never to change who I am for others, and this decision brought positivity into my life as I grew older. I now look back and appreciate that choice deeply.
The Impact of Bullying on Mental Health
Bullying can have severe effects on mental health, leading to issues with self-esteem and identity. It can shatter your confidence and leave you feeling pressured to conform to others’ expectations rather than following your own desires. I struggled with depression and anxiety throughout high school, feeling lost and lonely despite appearing happy on the outside. I experienced panic attacks that left me gasping for breath.
Finding Strength in Vulnerability
Realizing I couldn’t navigate this alone; I confided in my parents about my struggles. With their support and help from a psychologist, I began to address my negative thoughts and learn how to manage my panic attacks. This process allowed me to breathe easier and regain control of my life. The most important lesson I learned was the value of accepting who I am. While it’s common to feel ashamed of our internal struggles, discussing them openly is crucial for healing, learning, and finding happiness.
The path to healing was far from linear, marked by both highs and lows, but I understood that this was a normal part of the process. I became deeply interested in understanding myself better – identifying my triggers and sources of anxiety. Awareness itself proved to be crucial. I also embraced new hobbies and activities that brought me joy, such as swimming, singing, and journaling. Each of us has innate interests, so it is important to explore new skills and immerse yourself in activities that you enjoy. Reading also played a significant role in helping me gain insight into myself and provided diverse perspectives from experts and psychologists.
Moving Forward with Purpose
Overcoming these challenges made me realize that we never fully understand someone else’s story or their internal struggles. Therefore, it is important to approach others with kindness and empathy. I felt compelled to develop lectures and resources for youth and women on topics such as self-esteem, boundary setting, and relationships. This led to the creation of my foundation, Woman Squared, which blossomed into a meaningful initiative. Through sharing my story, I was able to support others in their journey of self-discovery. Studying psychology at the University of British Columbia further deepened my understanding of mental health. Given the challenges I faced as a young girl, mental health has become both my life’s work and my passion. I am grateful for both the positive and negative experiences, as they have shaped me into the person I am today.
A Message of Hope
To the younger generation, my message is to believe in yourself regardless of others’ opinions. You have your whole life ahead of you to understand yourself, find happiness, and continually work towards becoming the best version of yourself. Life will present pain and difficulties, which are essential for growth. It’s important to maintain a positive attitude and persevere, no matter how tough things may seem. We all have the inner strength to pursue our dreams. Difficult circumstances are temporary and do not define us. Let’s stay strong together and believe in a brighter, more hopeful future!
Author: Kristiyana Yordanova
Follow Kristiyana on Instagram: @kristiyana.yordanovaa