“It is ok to ask for help. It doesn’t make you weak. It makes you stronger and healthier.”

Share your stigma experience.

I have had Major Depressive Disorder since I was 16. I managed it with medication pretty well. I remember trying to tell my parents that I needed help and they were convinced that something was triggering my depression. They wanted to know why I was so sad. They didn’t believe that there wasn’t a reason. I saw a Psychologist. The first meeting I told him that I wanted to talk to someone who understood and that my parents think that there needs to be a reason. He responded “Well they have a lot to learn now don’t they.”

How did you overcome this experience?

I brought my parents into a family therapy session to speak with a Psychologist to talk through it. Once we compared to any other disease and can be a lifetime battle – they started to understand. They still aren’t 100% understanding but they are close enough for me!

Help others by sharing a brief, positive message. 

Build a life worth living. Depression, sadness and pain are only emotions that will go away if you manage it properly and they CAN be managed. Seek help. It is ok to ask for help. It doesn’t make you weak. It makes you stronger and healthier.