It’s Ok To Not Be Ok

Last week, Denise shared how the pressures of being an entrepreneur significantly impact your mental health. Oftentimes, people don’t think about how things like your profession, school, family and even basic lifestyle choices can affect your mind, but they do. That being said, sometimes your surroundings aren’t the cause. Sometimes it comes down to a chemical imbalance that makes you feel things you can’t explain.

My name is Kierra Santillan, and I have clinical depression and anxiety. I had grown up experiencing emotions that I couldn’t understand– simple tasks overwhelmed me, and minor mistakes made me hate myself. I was told that I was dramatic and emotional for years, and I thought, “Why am I like this? Why am I too much for everyone?” Hearing these things just drove me into a deeper depression that I didn’t even realize I was experiencing.

Over time, I realized that there was something deeper going on. I decided to talk to my doctor, who diagnosed me with depression and anxiety which honestly, was a huge ego blow.  I felt ashamed that I couldn’t manage my own mind and that my doctor was recommending I seek additional help. The diagnosis made me feel…weak.

My doctor referred me to a therapist, and those sessions changed my life. My therapist helped me realize that what I was feeling wasn’t rare. I was experiencing something that millions of others also go through and learn to navigate. She taught me new ways to manage my emotions and how to alter my lifestyle in a way that could improve my mental health. Things like forming a regular sleep schedule, cleaner eating and mapping out time for self-care did wonders for my mindset and overall approach to life. I wasn’t “healed,” but I was heard, which was exactly what I needed.

If you are feeling symptoms of a mental illness, do not be afraid to seek help. Remember, courage is asking for help when you need it. Cowardice is pretending that you don’t need help at all. To find a therapist near you, click here: InclusiveTherapists.com.