Youth Mental Health Essay

  Throughout my young life, I have always been familiar with the word Depression. I had heard the word used by my parents and grandparents. I knew Depression was a serious diagnosis that caused prolonged sadness. I would listen to my family talk about depression, however, it never occurred to me just how serious of a problem depression is. 

  Nine years ago, when I was eight years old I lost my uncle to suicide. This experience was my first realization of how much depression can affect a person. The night my family lost my uncle, I can remember sitting in my grandma’s living room on my mom’s lap. Having aunts and cousins that I rarely saw in one room during the late hours of the night was weird to me. I don’t remember much about my uncle, but I do remember him through hearing stories. The night we lost him was a school night, the next day I entered my elementary school and broke down crying in my friends’ arms. It was weird to me, I lost someone in an unfamiliar way but I knew how serious it was. It felt like the way we lost my uncle was a secret. Something that couldn’t be talked about. The big scary word suicide was forever a word that felt like a sin to say. 

  Twenty-fifteen was a rough year for me. At a young age, I had to grow up. Not only did I lose my uncle in the worst way, but I got diagnosed with Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD). Deep down I knew I was struggling, but I was horrified to speak up. I was eight years old, with big scary adult feelings. I did not know kids could struggle with mental health, it was something I thought got diagnosed when you were old. I thought I was alone, but my older sister was going through the same thing. For years, I kept my struggles hidden. I was scared of what could happen if I spoke up. 

  In January of 2024, I was diagnosed with chronic depression and anxiety. If it wasn’t for my sister speaking up and getting help, I probably would not have had the courage to get help. I was started on anti-depressants, but I had to wait until June for an opening with a therapist. It felt so close, but so far. I felt so alone, that I did not know how to cope. That’s when I remembered a dream I had when I was little. 

  Being diagnosed with PKD is a pivotal point in my story. Since my diagnosis in 2015, I knew I was different from my peers and struggled with making friends. I started missing a lot of school after being diagnosed. Some teachers tried their best to help, while the harsh words of others are forever engraved in my mind. I had a teacher in sixth grade ask if I thought I didn’t have a future due to my medical issues.  Hearing these harsh comments from peers and educators damaged my self-esteem. However, I did not let that stop me. 

  In March of 2024, I started a mental health and invisible illness campaign called The Seen Project. Since starting my project I have been overwhelmed with love and support. I created my project to help myself after getting diagnosed with depression, Not only did I end up becoming the most confident version of myself, but I have helped hundreds and maybe even thousands of people worldwide. I have done things that the younger me would’ve never guessed I could or had the courage and confidence to do. I put myself on blast one day in March by posting my story, and since then I have been featured on TALK Pittsburgh, 100.7 STAR (Bubba Show), and SLB Radio. Most recently I received the news I am one of eighteen young leaders from Pennsylvania being honored in Junior Achievement 18 under eighteen, an award for youth creating a difference. I am a peer mentor along with having a seat on Upstreets Youth Advisory Mental Health board. 

  Creating my platform was the best decision I ever made. I am proving the educators and peers who didn’t believe in me wrong. I took the sourest lemon that life had to offer… and turned it into something resembling lemonade. I am fully committed to making even more of an impact and difference. I hope The Seen Project can someday become something bigger than me. No kid should ever feel alone, I am working with a school counselor to speak with local elementary schools about accepting others for who they are and how to be supportive and kind to those who are different. You never know what someone is going through and it’s important to make that known in elementary school during the key years of development. Being kind, challenging the stigma, and facing adversities are the most important things we can do as a society.