Living with Depression and Anxiety
Follow an interview from an anonymous GPHS student about their experience living with depression and anxiety and how it has impacted their life and education with this monthly Mental Health Column. Scroll to the bottom for an opportunity to share your struggle and experiences for our upcoming issues.
MENTAL HEALTH : STUDENT LIVING with depression and anxiety
Interview Conducted By Deenie Bulyalert
Disclaimer: This article discusses sensitive information regarding mental health that some people may feel uncomfortable with reading. Statements made in this article may trigger those faced with the same challenges. However, the goal of this article is to help those who may be struggling and to shed light on the struggles of different mental disorders.
We all have beautiful stories. This is one of them. Everyone's experiences are different, but your feelings are valid. You are strong, amazing, and a person with an interesting story, no matter what it may be.
If you need immediate mental health help, then The Scroll strongly urges you to contact Grants Pass High School's mental health counselor, Kris Stuart, at the following link: kstuart@grantspass.k12.or.us
Why have you decided to tell your story?
I would like to help people, and if sharing my story helps someone, then I would know that I did something to help.
February 10th, 2020
If you were, when were you diagnosed?
How does depression and anxiety look for you? how does it feel for you?
Depression and anxiety come at the worst times for me; I could be doing something and I’m happy and content and the next thing I am wanting to be alone, feeling overwhelmed. When I am anxious it could get to the point of me having a panic/anxiety attack and that lasts for about 20-60 mins. Sometimes, being anxious is just feeling like you have butterflies in your stomach.
I would go to my classes but, when things would change abruptly or I was stressed out already, I would become more anxious and have to either step out of class or go to the back of the class, depending on what class I was in.
How did a regular day look like for you when we were going to school in-person?
How does a regular day look like for you now that we aren't going to school in-person?
I don’t get anxious at much. I usually just sit through my classes quietly.
I don’t see my friends very often. The main place I would see most of my friends would be school. The lack of communication is rough. So sometimes being shut out from the community or people, in general, make my depression and anxiety worst.
How has being in an online format impacted you? Does having depression and anxiety make it harder?
Are there tasks that are easier for others, but can be incredibly hard for you?
I’m not sure. I think, like, playing an instrument in front of people is rough in general...
My parents' custody battles and losing friendships. I would talk about the custody battles, and they didn’t want to hear about it, so friends slowly stopped talking to me.
Are there impactful events that you went through in the past that may have contributed to the struggles you face today?
What was one of the lowest points you have faced while dealing with this and how did you get better?
Last year, around the end of January, was an extremely low point for me… things just kept getting worse, and I started to lose hope that things would get better. I had an awesome friend who was with me every step of the way; she would check in on me and it was nice to know that someone cared. I also turned to God and my faith (Christianity).
I pray when I am feeling anxious. When I’m feeling depressed, I’ll talk to someone or reach out for help if needed, but most of the time now I turn to God and read the Bible. I love Psalms.
How do you cope with having depression and anxiety?
How could people who don’t understand or know what you are going through help you or other people facing the same challenges?
If someone ever has a panic/anxiety attack, help them breathe, and ask them, "What would you like me to do?" Distract, or stay there and just keep company, or leave. If they want a distraction, go through the five steps: five things you can see, four things you can touch, three things you can hear, two things you can smell, and one thing you can taste. It’s a quick distraction tool. To be honest, I wish people would stop judging. I know that sounds weird but everyone judges, and we make assumptions about people. When we stop that, then that breaks a big divider between people. Just be kind to everyone you meet. You have no idea what they are going through and a kind word could save someone’s life.
People think that those with depression are weird or they are constantly suicidal, but that’s not the case. There many types of depressions. There are ones where people are extremely good at hiding it and they appear to be happy. People also assume that people with anxiety are constantly anxious and can’t get anything done and they worry constantly. Again, it’s different for everyone, and people show it differently.
What are some misconceptions that you think people should change about depression and anxiety?
What would you like to say to those who may be in the same position?
Just know that you are so loved and that you are doing the best you can. Don’t let your mind, or others, make you feel bad about yourself or doubt yourself. Ask for help. I know it is scary being vulnerable and reaching out for help and feeling weak, but once you can get help, it does get better and it does get easier. You don’t have to go through this alone.
Resources for Help:
Grants Pass High School Has Licensed Therapists:
Kris Stuart- Mental Health Counselor
Mr. Baxter - Options Specialist Counselor
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:
1-800-273-8255
Crisis Text Hotline:
US: Text HOME to 741741 to be connected with a Crisis Counselor
They are there to help. If you need it, please ask. You do not have to fight this battle alone.
*Author's Note: At The Scroll, we are aware that we have had a column on both depression and anxiety in the past. I, Deenie, felt comfortable including a story on both depression and anxiety again because, as most people know, no two people struggle with a mental illness the same way. We all have valid and interesting stories and I did not start this column to disclude those who want to share their stories just because we had one on the same topics in the past. I hope that you were able to learn about the challenges that students face while living with a mental illness.
