"Fast-forward six years: I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety. It was six years of feeling completely alone. Six years of feeling like I was the only person that felt the way I did. Six years of feeling helpless."
When it comes to Depression, “Why do you feel this way?” is not the important question. The important question is: “What can I do to support you?”
"Before I left on medical leave, I had taken on additional work to help a colleague whose husband was very ill and had been out for a few weeks, so I carried her caseload. Apparently, they have a different standard if you take leave because of mental illness."
There is a lot of misinformation surrounding mental illness still present within our society. Here are some of the common myths people make about mental illness and the accompanying facts.
"When you are feeling alone, it can be very helpful knowing there is someone who knows exactly what you are going through."
"I was on the path to becoming a physician and experienced judgment from a close family member. I could only imagine what those who actually battle mental illness must go through."
"He was in tears telling me that he felt hopeless and had no will to live. It broke my heart because I know that feeling very well, as I have bipolar disorder."
"I look at myself in the mirror, and I see a body that has survived so much harm from myself and others. I see a body that houses who I am on the inside, someone I have fought to love and care for deeply."
People with mental illness experience a wide range of emotions. For me, the three most prominent emotions were anger, lack of self-worth and, eventually, hope. They reflect my evolution from mental illness diagnosis towards recovery.
"These experiences can occur at any time. They are a part of me, and I view them as natural as my left arm."
NAMI HelpLine is available M-F, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. ET. Call 800-950-6264,
text “helpline” to 62640, or chat online. In a crisis, call or text 988 (24/7).
