When I was 19, I was diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder. When I was 20, I was diagnosed with Recurrent Major Depressive Disorder and anxiety and put on a little blue pill called Prozac.
Every day isn't rainbows and butterflies. Sometimes it's dark clouds and rain. But that's the thing, it's OK to not have a perfect day every day.
It's OK to feel sadness. It's OK to feel frustration. It's also OK to ask for help when these feelings start to drown you.
There is an overwhelming amount of stigma against mental health. There's also never enough awareness for mental health.
Taking Prozac every day helps me to feel OK. It helps me to get out of bed every morning. It helps to bring stability to my life. It's not a cure, and I have had to go to therapy and learn to work on myself, something I continue to do every day, but I am not ashamed of myself for wanting better.
If anyone ever makes you feel ashamed for taking medication, cut them out of your life. You don't need that kind of toxic energy in your life when you are trying to better yourself.
I used to be terrified I wouldn't make it into adulthood. I was terrified I would never make a life for myself. I was terrified that when I became a mother, I wouldn't be able to handle it, and my mental health would get in the way of being a good mother.
Luckily, now several years later, I feel I might actually be able to tackle this adult thing. I am constantly building to make a better life for myself and learning every day from my mistakes. I am more excited than ever to one day become a mother because that has always been a dream of mine.
For me, I was able to find the light. But some people still struggle with the darkness.
If you, your friend, a family member, or someone you love is struggling with the darkness, please seek help or reach out to them. Let them know it's OK to ask for help. Let them know it's OK to take medication to help balance chemical imbalances in their brain. If you see someone on your social media struggling, crying out for help, message them.
Nobody should have to feel alone, or ashamed of who they are. Help end the stigma on mental health, and be someone who brings people into the light!
If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline — 1-800-273-8255
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Taylor Swift in a purple coat, captivating the crowd on stage.
Taylor Swift shines on stage in a sparkling outfit and boots.
Taylor Swift and Phoebe Bridgers sharing a joyful duet on stage.
