**trigger warning

When I was young, my parents often described me as shy. They didn't realize that the shyness was what I now know as anxiety. It was crippling anxiety that made me not want to leave my room or see or talked to anyone.As I got older, my parents and friends would describe me as quiet. They didn't realize that this was just the way that I was presenting as I was fighting an extreme case of depression. This was one of the darkest periods of my life. I remember being overwhelmed by the darkness and emptiness, not being able to feel any joy. I remember the physical pain that I felt at the time and how it seemed completely disconnected from anything that I was going through. The pain was unbearable, and I just wanted it to stop. I wanted to sleep and not wake up again. It was then that I attempted suicide by overdosing on pills.

Luckily, I was not successful, and that experience focused me. It allowed me to start to understand mental illness and mental health. I started with my own wellness, teaching myself coping skills and an understanding of what warning signs to watch for. It got better, but depression has never been cured for me. It is the ever-present black dog that Winston Churchill described. Despite my coping skills and medication, I still have at least two episodes a year. They are less severe, and I have learned the art of masking.

Eventually, my understanding and passion for mental health led me to social work. In this way, I was able to help many people. Eventually, I needed to share my story and hear others' stories. I saw the impact of this “Peer Support” and came to understand that sharing can inspire others to seek help.

I am fortunate to have the opportunity to meet mental health leaders from around the world and chart a path to improving the lives of those impacted by Mental Illness. It is an “Illness” and should be treated as such. We must nurture our own mental health, the same way we nurture our physical health.

In 2023, I was featured in an article on Healthing.ca. Please read for a little more information: 'What it feels like: Fighting depression starts with 'naming the monster'

https://www.healthing.ca/depression/what-it-feels-like-fighting-depression-starts-with-naming-the-monster 

Please support Defeat Depression and help others find a path forward.

I am participating in Defeat Depression to raise money to support those impacted by Mental Illness. Please sponsor me and help make a difference. Together, with your support, we can reach our fundraising goal!