Maggie C.

Photography by Maggie C.

If you’re reading this, I understand.

I was diagnosed with anxiety and depression my junior year of high school in 2014. I began seeing my therapist again, and after awhile we decided it was time to go on medicine. I am still on the same medication that I started on, but since I have increased the dosage. It’s getting better, but there’s still a lot of room for improvement.

(I don’t like to use the word depression, so I call it being in a “funk.”) When I get into a funk, I’m exhausted and everything is bad. I’m exhausted because my brain doesn’t stop thinking (ever!) during these times. When I’m okay, I know how to calm my brain down so that I can actually think and sleep and be me, but sometimes it’s impossible for me to do that.

I’ve always been open about my anxiety and depression because as soon as I was diagnosed I realized that it was just like any other illness that needed to be treated. I know that it’s a chemical imbalance in my brain (I have a lack of serotonin), and what helps fix that imbalance is my medicine. My psychologist, medicine, friends, and family are what helps me during the bad and the good times.

It’s okay to ask for help and lean on others. Please, if you are ever considering suicide or hurting yourself or if you ever feel you are alone, you are not. I am here for you, and I truly understand how you are feeling. Reach out to those who love you or to anyone on this website because we are here.

Maggie C., University of Virginia

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