A fun fact about me: I’m a chronic over-sharer. I am happy to talk to anyone, or everyone, about the things I’ve been through. This includes taboo topics like mental health. If someone mentions their struggles with depression or anxiety, I immediately become ready to share my experience.
Mental illness is not something to be ashamed of. I’ll tell someone I struggle with depression in the same breath as saying, “I have tendinitis.” Both affect my daily life; neither is shameful.
My transparency regarding mental illness has taught me something: I am not alone. An unfortunate fact is that many people struggle with mental illness, but this means there are thousands of people going through the exact situation that you are right now.
Something that has helped me immensely is turning to my friends and family for support. I had those difficult conversations, telling them what I am going through. It especially helped me to tell my friends, who graciously adjusted plans and expectations to fit my situation.
I’ve struggled with anxiety all of my life, and I began to feel depressed a little less than a year ago. Dealing with mental illness at college is tough. You’re forced to navigate adulthood and mounting academic pressures on top of high expectations that these four years will be the best of your life; there’s barely room to breathe, let alone battle depression. Personally, my biggest struggle has been staying motivated in school.
If you’re going through the same thing as me right now: I see you. You are not your mental illness; you’re fighting to overcome it. Seek help from family, friends, and professionals. Don’t be afraid of therapy and medicine.
Two weeks ago, all I wanted to do was scroll on my phone and sleep all day. Yesterday, I played with my baby nieces, went on a drive with the windows down, and played tennis while the sun set. Some days are better than others, but each is an opportunity to be kind to myself. I am doing the best that I can, and you are too.