Stand by Me ***Trigger Warning***

As a child, I experienced many adversities (i.e. abuse, neglect, etc.).

I never had a stable home, parents to model healthy behaviors, or confidence in even surviving. In high school, I attempted suicide by overdose. I was diagnosed with chronic depression, GAD, and PTSD. After I was emitted from the inpatient treatment, it was never talked about (among my family) again. I was never taught about mental health, self-care, coping skills, or even how to have a healthy relationship. When it came time to cope with life’s inevitable barriers, I didn’t know how. I cut myself, isolated, and eventually attempted suicide—because no one would listen. They think “it’s a teenage thing; they’ll grow out of it.” It’s a human thing that all of us will encounter at some point, whether individually or through someone you love.
Now, I am pursuing my graduate degree in clinical mental health and I WILL speak up and advocate for mental health. I will take my history to pave a healthier path for the future. Someone once told me, “adversity introduces us to ourselves.” Let us ask ourselves, why is this disease treated with such stigma compared to others? To anyone who has experienced this or is, please know that you are never alone. You are worthy.