Why do I blog?
As someone who suffers from Major Depression and GAD (general anxiety disorder) since the age of 12, my personal mission is to get rid of the stigma surrounding mental illness by sharing my own experiences through blogging, personal essay writing and public speaking.

I found BC2M….
…the first time I saw the original PSA on television, I knew I had to be part of the organization.

What Stigma Means to Me:
Regarding mental illness, stigma means having people treating me as weak, insignificant and disposable for the sole reason that I have an illness that is invisible – and that which cannot be seen generates fear and intolerance among too many people.

The Way I Find Wellness:
I tried for several years before finding the right professionals who were able, for the first time in my life, to properly diagnose me and treat me with the kind of therapy which has an excellent track record for adults with Major Depression and General Anxiety Disorder – this includes a combination of antidepressants and weekly CBT with a psychologist.  I have vowed to maintain my mental health as a priority, which means getting enough sleep every night, balancing work and personal life, setting time aside for myself, having my dog Anya by my side as much as possible and asking for support when I need it.  I do my best to surround myself with people who bring out the best in me and avoid toxic influences at all costs.

If I Had a Magic Wand:
I would educate as many people as possible on the facts of mental illness so that the stigma would no longer exist.

 My Pick-Me-Up Song:
“Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now” by McFadden and Whitehead

Favorite (Mental Health) Book:
My Depression, A Picture Book by Elizabeth Swados

If I were a superhero, I would be / have powers to…
…make sure every single person on the planet who has a mental illness receives proper treatment.

Words to Live By:
“To Thine Own Self Be True.” – William Shakespeare