I want rid of the stigma!

[sarahlouise4]

Hi all, I'm new to beyond blue on these online forums however have regularly checked into the website over the years for information. I've wanted to share my story for a while as I feel it's important to get more awareness out there so that younger people can become more confident in speaking out about their issue or will have the courage to seek for help/advice. So here goes...

At the age of 15 (year 11 high school) I struggled to find myself in terms of fitting in as a highschooler, socialising and meeting boys but also have to deal with being a type 1 diabetic on a insulin pump where jokes were common about my 'tamagotchi device'. My self esteem was low, I was overweight and was ridiculed for my (what I now consider to be beautiful) strawberry blonde "ginger" hair. In march of my year 11 studies my mum thankfully took me to the doctor as she noticed the changes in me where I was diagnosed with severe depression but by this point it was too late.. I had lost my 'friends' to being what they described as being 'too unhappy' and was in the firing line of all the nasty rumours regarding being depressed, having medication and trying to cope still with school. I spent two weeks sometimes not being able to sleep due to medication side effects, mixed with the wrong crowd and was avoided by all because they viewed my illness as contagious. Some how in amongst all this I managed to connect and enter a relationship with a boy who has now become my partner for last 5 years and has help me through my battle. 

After high school I came off the medication but unfortunately every year I seemed to suffer a down period, still didn't have many friends and as you can imagine found it hard to make friends because of trust issues.. how did I know if they would do the same thing? Come my second year of uni the stress of my studies and expectations as a scholarship student for nursing became too much and I sunk down again. I spent my days in bed, unable to wake up let alone eat or shower or keep on top of my uni work. I used my little energy to hide from my loved ones what was going on and cried none stop for hours. I've always feared the ridicule from the previous time. Thankfully my partner and mum helped me through.. taking me again to the doctor and using similar techniques such as exercise, meditation and yoga to help me back on track. I'm now in my final year of nursing and am thankful for my support & my studies never suffered and still have accomplished what I wanted.

[CrashCoyote]

Hi sarahlouise4,

What a great story of determination, support and triumph!

High school, as you've learnt, can be a cruel and ruthless place. The damage done to students can often impact on the young (and not so young) years, as it has with you.

I am so glad you had support and were able to back yourself and draw strength from others.

I am sure there will be others on here, particularly in the young persons' forums, that will be helped by your story.

If you are inclined, you might consider occasionally reading some of those posts and offering your experience and success to them as a message of hope.

All the best for your future and thank you for sharing that story.

Kind regards, John.