A few months ago, I was going through one of the most difficult periods of my life. It got to the point where I called my mom between classes and sobbed over the phone and finally told her about the anxiety and depression that was starting to control my life. My mom cried with me and promised me that we would figure it out together when I got home for break. She gave me the number of her friend who had experienced similar symptoms for almost 20 years. By calling her friend and hearing the story of a person with experiences that mirrored my own, I felt hopeful that I could persevere like she had and it gave me the strength I needed to get through the next few weeks. It was the push I needed to go home and get the help I needed after over 8 years of symptoms. My hope is that one of these stories will resonate with you and be your moment of validation and acceptance. Your mental illness does not have to control your life and there is a bright future ahead of you. And like I was told so many times on my journey, you are so brave and strong. Your mental illness does not define you.


Links:
https://www.nami.org/NAMI/media/NAMI-...
National Suicide Hotline: 1-800-273-8255
UK Counseling Center: https://www.uky.edu/counselingcenter/
National Alliance on Mental Illness Hotline: 1-800-950-6264

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