“Unfortunately, my family does not believe in mental illness, so I was not able to get the help I needed.”

What kind of stigma did you experience/observe?

I have suffered from depression since I was in junior high school. Unfortunately, my family does not believe in mental illness, so I was not able to get the help I needed. I tried to commit suicide once while in high school because I felt so hopelessly sad and alone, but when my mom found out, she grounded me and told me to stop seeking attention. Sometime in my last few years of high school, I realized I needed to move out of my house and away from my family in order to get healthy.

How did you overcome this experience?

I first moved away to college, then moved out of my parent’s house. I can’t think of one person in my extended family who supported my decision. After I moved out, I decided to go to a doctor and since then, have been working towards getting better.

Help others by sharing a brief, positive message.

Don’t let anyone persuade you that you do not know what is best for yourself.