I first knew I had depression issues as a young teenager, around 12-13.  I felt sad and helpless all the time.  I did have moments of feeling and happy maybe when I was having fun with my friends.  But behind closed doors I felt empty.  I was told I would grow out of it.  I was told I was just acting like a teenager going through “changes.”  But as I got older the feelings of helplessness and depression did not go away.  

My father approached me at the age of 20 and told me that mental illness such as anxiety and depression runs in our family.  He finally revealed to me that he has suffered with anxiety and depression his whole life, as did his mother.  He recommended that I seek treatment from a professional.  

I did receive help from a heath care provider and my journey to understanding myself began.  I am not just a sad, anxious person.  I have a mental illness that requires treatment for me to feel like myself.  If you need help, get it.  Start feeling like the person you were meant to be.  You are not just your illness, you can be so much more.