Vivian, 28, USA

Since that day I have also been diagnosed with depression, minor insomnia and minor PTSD. I went through many ups and some massive downs including contemplating suicide. If it wasn’t for my support system I wouldn’t be here today. I am in weekly therapy and I take medication for my anxiety.

My best piece of advice would be: don’t ever be afraid of medications. I am so much better with them. You wouldn’t deny yourself insulin if you had diabetes, right? Then don’t deny yourself something that could help you in the long run. I have many coping mechanisms that help me on a daily basis, like my fidget spinner. My parents who are my biggest support constantly take midnight phone calls when my panic attacks are at their worst. I also have the best/weirdest cat in the world (Maebh) and she is the greatest emotional support animal. She is weird but she is my boops.  My anxiety is a daily problem that I face head-on with a smile on my face. Whether faked or not.

Now, I try to break the stigma, because of a lot of shame I got since my first diagnosis. Whether that be through my Youtube channel, or just talking to people openly about my conditions. My Youtube channel is focused on mental health and breaking down those walls around the stigma. The more we talk about it the more the walls crumble. Through this, I hope more people will seek the help that they may need. I don’t ever want anyone to feel the shame and hurt I did when I was first diagnosed. I kept a lot hidden inside because of the stigma around it.I didn’t want to seem like a crazy freak that needed to be institutionalised.

I love hearing other peoples stories and how they deal with their mental conditions, so please feel free to DM me anytime. Also, if you want to, check out my Youtube channel”