Opening Up About My Depression Has Made Me Stronger

Here’s the thing: For me, anxiety and depression is not sadness.

It’s not having a bad day and needing a hug.

For me depression is a sense of isolation and loneliness.

It’s all-consuming, and it shut down my mental circuit board.

I felt worthless like I had nothing to offer, like I was a failure.

However, as I am a strong-willed human being, I try to not let these feelings take over my nervous system.

I am constantly telling myself I am not worthless, that I do have something to offer – whether something big or something small.

Opening up about my illness and admitting that I had a mental illness was scary at first because I was worried about what others might think, but instead it made me stronger. The best way to fight the stigma surrounding mental illness is to stop the silence, to encourage others to speak out about their daily struggles.

Why are mental illnesses met with shame and guilt ?

Why is there judgement?

And why aren’t we talking about it? Not only the illnesses, but the symptoms, the risk factors and the different forms of treatment?

Let the haters hate, but they will not and can not change who you are. That’s what I have learned to do, and it has made me stronger.

The reason I write about depression is to show others there is no need to hide. You can open up. I can tell you that because that’s what I’ve done, and it’s helped me a lot.

If you or someone you know needs help, see our suicide prevention resources.

If you need support right now, call the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.