Mental Illness Recovery Series: Story # 3
This is the third story of the mental illness recovery series. This story will help others in similar situations. I want to thank Justice for sharing her story with us. This is her story:
Justice is from Waynesboro, VA, and she enjoys drawing and painting. She also lifts weights with her step-dad and runs in varsity cross-country and track in her high school. Her future goal is to major in architectural engineering at Virginia Tech.
Justice was diagnosed with depression 6 months ago, although she has been struggling with this for about three years and a half. She still struggles with her depression every day. Justice suspects her depression to be hereditary and stem from unresolved feelings from her parents’ divorce. Not only that, but she has been bullied physically, verbally and sexually. She also struggles to understand her sexuality. She was diagnosed by her primary physician and went to professional counselling for about a year. The counselling did not work for Justice because her counsellor seemed less than interested and always looked at the clock instead of focusing on her. So, Justice decided to go to the lay counsellor at her church, she instantly connected with her and till this day they are friends.
Justice had deal with horrible symptoms of depression. She said, “I was nothing. I wasn’t worth the dirt beneath my feet. I always felt hopeless. I didn’t belong. I believed that no one wanted me around. Who would want to be friends with someone like me?” This affected her daily life because she constantly beat herself up and didn’t want to let anyone down. It was difficult for her to get out of bed and maintain good grades. Justice attempted suicide twice and self-harmed by cutting and bruising herself. Her depression made her push everyone she loved away and those who cared about her did not want to be around her because they did not want to be responsible if she killed herself. Justice felt in agony, she said, “I felt alone. I felt unloved. Nothing I could say could truly convey how alone and unloved I felt.”
The turning point to help control her depression was the day before September 20th. On the 20th of September, Justice was going to commit suicide, but she went to a cross country meet where she ran into a friend from her church. Justice stopped going to church, so her friend invited her back to the youth group. By connecting with god, true friends and her counsellor she is here today fighting to overcome her depression. Justice constantly stays in touch with people she trusts, who keeps her accountable, and loves her. Her best friend Hannah, despite being far from her always texted, spoke the truth and encouraged Justice when she needed it the most.
This ordeal taught her to be strong. Justice said, “I was put through this storm so I could be a light to others and help them through their struggle. That’s why I am not ashamed of my story.” This experience changed her outlook, she now loves her life. She prevents this from happening again by being a devout Christian and being in prayer for strength. This is her advice to others struggling with similar mental conditions:
“Don’t be afraid to reach out! That’s the hardest part, but it’s also the most important. If you can’t talk to your parents or your parents are part of the problem reach out to an older friend (not your peers but maybe a college age friend if you’re not friends with older people) and be honest with your struggles and sadness you are not alone!”
Justice is a strong young lady and I admire her for stepping up and helping others. Has anyone else struggled with a similar problem? If so what has helped you along the way? What are your opinions? Let me know by commenting on the bottom.
PS. There will be many more stories, so stay tuned. If you would like to share your story of recovery, email me atmlgaston1@gmail.com.
Edited by Hamad Hussain
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