The Jim Effect

I suffered from suicidal depression for years. I didn’t ever give up. I kept searching for a “cure” or at least relief.

Their view of me had changed from the girl who was so nice and sweet, to the girl whose dad deals with mental health issues. A girl who needed to be treated differently because of it.

Having depression is like being mugged by five different people: hopelessness, sadness, anxiety, self-loathing and demoralization. Once depression had me, I became its prisoner.

Educate yourself as much as you possibly can, then bring this education to the table. Discuss with your family, friends and healthcare professionals. It could save your life.

At 44 years old, I felt at peace with the past and ready to move on to the future. Then, literally days later, I began to feel watched and suspicious of people. The delusions grew in intensity…

For the most part, I really do enjoy the holidays…I just try to block out all of the many things that push me back into my shell. 

Discussing my depression and other mental health conditions is terrifying for me. I hate seeming vulnerable and I hate being labeled.

A huge stigma existed on my college campus—and frankly most campuses around the country—that there is weakness in asking for help.

As someone who suffers from both physical and mental health conditions, we must fight twice as hard to be understood by those around us. Finding the right support system is key in this battle.

I read blogs posted by organizations just like this one. This is where and how my healing began. I started believing that I was worthy of my story. Not only to live it, but to share it.