Personal Story: I was diagnosed with Anxiety and it changed my life

At 16, I lost my Dad to Cancer and my world fell apart. Life as I knew it came to a crashing halt and I was unable to function in my day to day. I was then diagnosed with Depression and spent years on medications as well as adding alcohol and drugs into the mix, which all ended up altering my perception of reality. 12 years later I was a shell of myself and driving friends away. My family grew increasingly concerned and I ended up at an inpatient program at Capri Hospital.

I left Capri Hospital with a new diagnosis anxiety and a new lease on life. I learnt that I was not alone.That there were people even from my own hometown that had walked similar paths to me. This was where I learnt the power of sharing my story so that others could reach the same realisation I did.

Today I stand strong in knowing that my journey makes me who I am. I am proud of the independent and empathetic human that I have become. But I still have to make sure I keep good habits to stay well. Stuff like keeping a simple life, surrounding myself with a strong support system, reaching out when I needed to and to stay completely honest to myself and others.”

#BeautifulMinds is a series of raw and honest stories from people sharing their lived experience with mental health in New Zealand. Published with permission. We hope these stories capture the diversity of how mental health affects different people and you can be inspired by their journey towards mental wellbeing. Clearhead’s mission is to destigmatise mental health through raising awareness and encouraging people to feel it is ok to seek help early by giving them the tools to do so. Sign up now to use the platform, it is free to do so!

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