When did you first start experiencing concerns with your mental health?“For me, that doesn’t really have a straightforward answer. I was incredibly aware of the horrible feelings, thoughts, and damaging behaviours I faced daily. However, I viewed it as merely a part of life. It’s similar to how most people would think about the common flu. You’re not too concerned that any major harm will befall you, and it will eventually pass. However (much like the flu), depression can spread and grow into a much larger issue if left untreated. Things began to escalate during my VCE studies, and my mental health declined severely. It was only then I considered I may have depression and recognized it as a chronic illness. Despite this, it took me much longer to seek help and communicate what I was enduring. Only recently have I developed the language and ability to articulate my experiences and emotions, which took many years of introspection and discussion with others.”Were you aware that you were experiencing depression?“No, I wasn’t for the first couple of years. I was all too familiar with the feelings of depression. The cold hollowness, the exhaustion, and that evil voice lurking in the corner of your mind saying you’ll never feel joy again. But I wasn’t aware I had a treatable condition and that it was called depression.I wasn’t exposed to many productive conversations about mental health within my family and community, so it took me a long time to become diagnosed.”Being depressed is challenging to understand for those who haven’t felt it. However, I imagine it as an internal bully who tormented me and made me feel irredeemable. Somebody who would pull me down to my lowest and criticise me for feeling so defeated.We all have relationships and I’m sure everyone has experienced at least one that was toxic. One of my most toxic ones was the kind I had with myself. I believe that relationship is the most important because it affects how you connect with others and perceive the world.I decided to treat myself like I would treat another person. I continue developing a loving, supportive, and kind bond with myself. One that is honest and seeks to bring out the best of what I have to offer. Moreover, when you have established that with yourself, it will inevitably be how you define your relationships with others. .”
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