I can talk about my experiences with depression, anxiety, and some of the stigma I have faced.
I can talk about my experiences with therapy - CBT, DBT, counselling, one on one, and group therapy.
I can talk about this because I am in a position where it is safe for me to do so. I'm comfortable with sharing my thoughts, my experiences, my highs and my lows.
There are so many who are not in that same position, who will be judged for having a bad day, a crash, a mental breakdown. There are those who are judged because they are getting help, are in therapy, and/or on medication.
There is so much stigma about mental health, and it needs to stop.
I was diagnosed with depression when I was in my teens, and even now at age 25, I'm still being treated for it. I've been in different types of therapy, as I listed above. Every single time I was lucky enough to be treated with respect, to have my voice heard. I'm now on antidepressants and have been for quite some time; it does make my brain fog worse, but it is another weapon I have access to in my daily fight against my own head.
I do have negative experiences, for sure. I've been told that my depression was attention seeking, pathetic, not true, and that I was just having an off day and to not be so dramatic. I've also had support from friends who have kept me fighting each day.
World Mental Health Day gives everyone like me a day to show ourselves and our battles; some of us will be telling friends and family for the first time, finally able to admit their struggles without shame. Be as supportive as you can when someone says "Hey, I'm struggling with my head."
My name is Ellana. I have depression and anxiety. I am not ashamed of this, and I have no reason to be.