A Superpower, Not a Disability

It's hard when you first get diagnosed with your disability or disorder. In my experience of being diagnosed, I sat in my car staring at the paper my doctor gave me informing me about the results she came to that day during my appointment. I was diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder and Anxiety Disorder. I read the word "disorder" and I automatically just thought there was something wrong with me. I was shocked thinking about this, and it took a while for me to process. At first this was something I didn't want anybody to know about, not even my closest friends. I felt ashamed and embarrassed. However, I realized there are so many people out there struggling with this too, I want to do whatever I can to help them feel better about themselves and assure that they are not alone. There is no reason to be ashamed!

So, with the diagnosis, I was prescribed some medication to help create chemical stability in my brain. I researched these disorders and I really tried to educate myself on them so I didn't feel so lost and confused. I also wanted to know what I could do to help in the context of activities or therapy. You always hear about how anxiety is just nervousness and depression is simply being sad. That statement could not be more false. I truly wish people would quit generalizing these disorders under nerves and sadness. They are quite complex and should be treated as such. It doesn't help when people who haven't been diagnosed or don't know much about the subject tweet or say "Ugh, I'm so depressed." This is an insult to the person truly struggling with this. It actually makes someone want to hide their illness even more, exactly the opposite of what he/she needs to do. It's smart to see a doctor or psychiatrist if you think you might be struggling! Please reach out.

After researching A LOT I learned how many people struggle and face these obstacles. I still do get bummed out knowing how many people out there struggle with the type of challenges I deal with. Knowing this significant amount of people like me, I do try my best to spread awareness and help out however I can. It is NOT easy not being able to speak up or ask for help. But once we accept that these are just factors we need to deal with and learn to treat correctly, we are able to conquer so many things due to the obstacles we face. Some of the strongest people I know are also diagnosed with these mental illnesses. Just because we have these illnesses does not mean we are less than or incapable of things people without illness are capable of. I think it takes more strength than anything else to try and participate—and hopefully succeed—in things people who don't even have these issues also participate in. It has helped me immensely to believe I have been blessed with such obstacles because they made me stronger and I have the opportunity to help my peers who struggle with them too. If you change the perspective of "why do I have these struggles?" into "I am so much stronger because of my struggles," your life will change greatly and for the better.

My title of this article comes from a lyric Kanye West created. He has Bipolar Disorder. He has spoken up about the obstacles he has faced and is still facing. I am thankful for celebrities who use their platform to spread awareness about such important topics that NEED to be talked about more. Mental health is extremely misunderstood. When he tackled his disorder stating, "It's not a disability, it's a superpower," it changed my mindset completely. Thanks to him and many other factors and people, I now don't feel weird, abnormal, or broken as much as I used to because of what I deal with. We are so much stronger than we give ourselves credit for. These disorders don't make us weak, only stronger.

If you want more inspiration or guidance relating to mental health, please follow my mental health account on Instagram @healthymind_happysoul.

Be Kind;