Battling Depression, Anxiety, and the Mental Health Stigma
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Riley Rosenthal |
TEDxYouth@DHS
• February 2021
We often hear Ted Talks from psychologists and or therapist teaching about mental illnesses, but it is not often that there is a first-hand story. I hope that by sharing my personal expirence, I will be able to help a large portion of students who are also struggling. In May, it had been 8 months since I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety, and a very small group of people knew about it. I felt trapped in my own body and as if I couldn't be my true self unless people knew what I was dealing with. That day, I posted on my Instagram sharing my story with my followers. Afterward, I had such a sense of relief. I was still the same person that everyone knew, I just had something going on with me that was a struggle. The simple act of posting made me feel free and like I didn't have to pretend or hide who I was anymore. I want to help spread that feeling to others who may feel the same way. I want them to be able to feel a breath of fresh air like I did.