It’s okay to reach for help. Try to open up to someone- anyone and don’t be afraid. People will be there for you.

Share your stigma experience.

I had my first panic attack on the first day of junior high. Although I knew this school by heart, I was still afraid. I was scared to tell my family about the experience, and I kept it a secret until my depression and anxiety kicked in on the final exam days. My family, friends, and teachers never seemed to understand why a straight A student (I am not bragging) like me is stressed and depressed from the fact of exams and final essays. Days and days I finish school like a normal teen and I go home, did my homework, cried in the showers and screamed in my sleep. I never found a way to open up to anyone because I felt like they might judge me for who I am right now. Sometimes I can’t concentrate in class and I go to the bathroom and threw up.

I wanted to act like a normal teen and a normal daughter so badly but I can’t deal with it all by myself. But I was scared and I can’t trust anyone. I cut myself on a daily basis. I hid my scars with a lie, saying I was just scratched by anything I could think about.

How did you overcome this experience?

A teacher noticed my scars when I was not careful and wore my short-sleeve uniform. She asked if I was okay and pointed out the fact that I was looking glum for a lot of time in all of her classes. I denied at first but she kept asking if I was really okay. I finally opened up to her and she was so supportive. She is like a second mother to me and she helped me find the counselor at our department. Now I try to tell her everything and she always replied with a warm hug without any comments.

Help others by sharing a brief, positive message.

It’s okay to reach for help. Try to open up to someone- anyone and don’t be afraid. People will be there for you. If you feel really depressed please do find help. I love you and be brave, be strong. I hope this helps.