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Shannon’s Story

“Never stop fighting for yourself!”

Share your stigma experience.

For years I have been made fun for having my nose in a book and being a loner. I have been accused of being overly sensitive…all the while suffering inside feeling alone and not good enough. When I would try to talk to family or friends I was told I needed to get out more, be more social, and go to church. But nothing helped, I felt sucked into a vacuum. I was lost and hopeless. One day I was on the side of the road crying and having a panic attack, wishing I could just end it all. Then I contacted my doctor that day and began talking to a therapist on Talk Space. I will always live with anxiety, depression and ADHD, but with medication and therapy and self care I can manage it. I work in healthcare and mental health help is so hard to get and still no one wants to address it. I honestly scared myself, being so close to taking my own life and not being able to understand why I was feeling this way… it was so very scary.

How did you overcome this experience?

Journaling, medication, and Talk Space saved my life. The combination of these treatments helped me see my self worth and understand about hormones and chemicals being off in my body. I am still on my journey, some days are hard and some are easier but I know I can do this. I can live.

Help others by sharing a brief, positive message.

Do not give up on yourself! You are amazing and stronger than you realize! Never stop fighting for yourself!

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