Hi everyone, I'm new to the forum and I wanted to share my story. I have a younger sister in high school who has struggled with anxiety and depression for over 3 years now. As an older sister, it was hard to see her so torn down. Seeing someone you love have frequent severe panic attacks is frightening. It's difficult to watch or even comprehend what they are going through in that moment. What I found the most difficult though, was watching my parents' reaction to their daughter's declining mental health. Some cultures seem to have better acceptance and less stigma surrounding mental health.
Growing up in an Asian household, I found that my family was often ashamed to admit that we had someone in the household struggling with anxiety and depression. When my sister first showed symptoms, they were confused and refused to believe that she needed help or that she had a mental health disorder.
I was in my senior years of high-school when this was happening. I juggled the stresses and pressures of being a teen, studying for final year 12 exams and being heavily involved in music programs. I kept pushing myself to be the strong one in the family. I'd talk to my sister about her feelings, I'd stay with my parents and made sure they were okay if I saw them crying and tried to educate them a little about mental health, and how it was ok that my sister needed help, and it was ok if they also needed help for themselves. Whilst doing all this, I had forgotten to look after myself. I was diagnosed with anxiety in year 11 and I struggled to stay in full classes before having to run out since I didn't want anyone to see me crying.
But- I want to give some hope. Things can and do get better. My sister is doing a lot better and is slowly but surely improving her mental health. I've sought out help for myself and my high-school teachers and psychologist were amazing in supporting me. I'm now doing great and am studying Psychology at university because I wanted to be of much help as possible to others going through a similar experience. I'm enjoying the course so much. My parents are my sister's no. 1 supporters and they'd do anything to provide her with services to help her recover. I guess what I want to say is this- breaking down the stigma of mental health and talking about it is so important to start the recovery process. It's ok to need help. I'm not a professional or clinical psychologist, but I'm willing to have a chat and give some comfort to anyone needing it 🙂
