I’ve always struggled with mental health issues. The first time I can remember is when I was 9 years old. I would experience panic attacks about staying home alone because I was so worried about a break in occurring. When I was 13-15 I experienced a major depressive episode. All I wanted was to sleep all day, and nothing seemed too interesting to me the way they used to be.

I still struggle with anxiety and depression every day. This May being mental health month has inspired me to talk about a dark time I went through, and hope to help others going through mental health issues know they do not stand alone. When you face an issue with mental health, you often get told lots of motivating quotes that are supposed to make you feel better, but even though you know those things may be true, it does not dismiss how you feel in the moment. It’s excellent if those quotes inspire you, and motivate you along your journey but for some like me, I’ve had to learn new ways to deal.

Here’s what I have learned from personal mental health struggles that provide me with comfort:

Speak up about how you feel. I think writing and reading things written by others struggling has helped me learn there is zero shame in the stigma, and suffering in silence just makes you more miserable. Another great option if you are suffering is to talk to a counselor, and get help.

Getting help is scary, but it very rewarding. Adults need to start taking teens more seriously whenever they try to come to them about their mental health. A lot of the times they try to come to them but are told “you’ll get over it” or whatever. But, you know, they don’t get over it. If you know someone suffering with mental health, check on them no matter how hard they may try to push you away.