Alexis’ Story

I am 18 years old and I fight both depression and anxiety. As strange as it may sound, I am a very bubbly person and I want to push myself to live as best a life I can. When we were reading A Farewell to Arms in high school, we talked about Ernest Hemingway's depression and suicide. After this talk in class, the girl in front of me turned around and told me "Why would anyone want to kill themselves? People with depression are crazy." That hurt me so bad and it took me a really long time to come to terms with the fact that people did not understand the disorder I was fighting. It seemed like they wanted me to lose, instead of helping me by cheering me on. I have completed a rehabilitation program that completely changed the way I've fought this disorder and from that, I stand ready to face college and my dreams. I hope that one day mental illness can be seen for what it really is, a disorder and not a choice.