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Turning your illness into something good

Turning your illness into something good

I have anxiety, depression and an eating disorder. Not a pretty mix, and boy is it hard to deal with sometimes. But a year ago I decided that if I was going to have to live with my illnesses, I would do everything in my power to help others. I now give regular presentations at my school about mental health. By doing this, I'm not only helping other people start the conversation, I am also improving my own mental health. The feeling that I'm actually helping other people have the conversation and open up about their own struggles gives me an immense sense of pride. I encourage everyone who feels up to it to start a revolution within their own communities, and begin raising awareness for mental health/illness. It might take a bit of getting used to but I assure you that it is well worth it

6 replies

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In response to: Turning your illness into something good

Re: Turning your illness into something good

Welcome @caitlinisafish

sounds like a win win situation!

Do you remember what the turning point was for you in moving forward?

Lived experiences are extremely valuable, because as you mention they allow others to come forward.

This has been extremely successful with celebrities/high profile people.

I feel there will always be the desire for those experiencing mental health issues to hear from somebody who has been there, and what their experience has been. Has this been your experience too?

Support groups offer this avenue for some.

In response to: Turning your illness into something good

Re: Turning your illness into something good

Hi @caitlinisafish

Welcome to the Forums 🙂 By the way - I love your username!

Thank you for sharing your story with us. I am sorry to hear about your struggles with mental health, it sounds like it has not been an easy journey for you. It is so inspiring to hear how you are using those stuggles to help others, both in your school and the wider community. It is great to see young people bringing these issues into the light. I think it can be such a relief for those who are suffering in silence, and can really inspire others to reach out for help. Well done! Bravo!

Again, welcome to the Forums and thank you for sharing your story.

In response to: Turning your illness into something good

Re: Turning your illness into something good

I'm in a similar situation. I'm writing a book about my experiences with social anxiety disorder, depression and bipolar disorder. I'm hoping to get it published and then use it as a tool that I can use to get people talking openly about mental illness. I hope to travel Australia to promote the book and get as many people Australia wide to have more honest and open discussion about mental health

In response to: Re: Turning your illness into something good

Re: Turning your illness into something good

Thats awesome!

In response to: Turning your illness into something good

Re: Turning your illness into something good

Hello @caitlinisafish!

Good to hear someone else is getting out there trying to help others.

I can say the same that it is also improving my own mental health aswell.

In response to: Re: Turning your illness into something good

Re: Turning your illness into something good

Goodonya Caitlinisafish! My life story includes a lot of cruddy stuff, DID and depression with bits of anxiety and eating disorders as a side dish! I hated this and it has caused a great deal of grief in my life, but having survived it all and by God I tried hard not to. I am in my mid 50s ( how did that happen?) and it has made me a very good listener, accepting of others, unafraid in some ways and content with who I am.

i hope your journey through life will allow you to see how horrible things can be turned from coal into diamond although you may have to view it from a distance.

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