Div Kaur's story:

 

I was diagnosed with anxiety disorder when I was 14 years old after having to go through several life stressors as a teenager - family deaths, identity crisis, moving houses and schools several times, which demanded me to create a new support network every couple of months. I always had a perfectionist personality which contributed to countless self-defeating thoughts. I am lucky that my friends and family were aware of mental health issues and could recognize a panic attack when they saw one.I am so grateful for psychiatric medications because, at that time, it saved a vulnerable 14 year old's life. Having experienced the stigma and shame attached to having anxiety attacks, I was able to identify closely with others who had similar experiences. For this reason, I pursued my goal of becoming an RN and chose to work in psychiatry alongside people who experienced what I did as a kid. I also volunteer for @southasianmentalhealth to increase awareness about mental health in South Asian communities. For anyone going through a mental health crisis currently, I urge you to advocate for yourself at work and school or to request someone to advocate on your behalf if you feel unwell. I encourage you to perceive your illness as seriously as you would if you had a physical illness. If we can advocate for ourselves as much as possible, society will gradually recognize the seriousness of mental health issues.