If this could reach one person..

Dealing with anxiety and depression in my teens has been the hardest part of my journey so far. I feel that it is important that I share my experiences to help parents and teens alike.

For so long I have hidden this part of my journey. 97% of my family and friends don’t even know about this part of my life. Even today as I write this piece, it makes me anxious. But this part of my story needs to be heard. There has been a recent loss in SW Manitoba, and it breaks my heart. I didn’t know the kid, but that kid could have been me 12 years ago.

In the spring of 2011, something didn’t feel right with me. I felt tense, was crying all the time, and I was so very confused. I was having thoughts and feelings that scared me and I was so afraid to tell anyone. I have an extremely good relationship with my mom, so I told her about it. I didn’t feel comfortable with talking it though as a family, I started seeing a counsellor, but that wasn’t enough. I was then admitted into the Child and Adolescence Treatment Centre (CATC)in Brandon.

I wasn’t there for very long, but I got the help that I needed. Being from a small town, my whole high school knew I had missed a few days of school. When I got back, I had one question from everyone. “Why weren’t you at school?” I was so ashamed. I was afraid of the ridicule that I would get. My high school had about 50 people in it and I had 3 more years left of school. I couldn’t tell anyone. I couldn’t disappear to another school for the next 3 years if I was judged. I needed an excuse. “I had mono.” No one had any questions after that.

There are so many resources available to children and youth in Manitoba. If your child doesn’t feel comfortable talking to you, find someone they are comfortable with. Signs of a mental illness can be hidden very well, trust me.

Make mental health a common topic in your household. Have the hard discussions. Be an example to your kids that there is nothing to be ashamed of. Let your kids take a mental health day off of school if that’s what they need.

If you have kids, please share the numbers below. They may never need it, but they might have a friend that does.

Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868

Klinic Crisis Line: 1-888-322-3019

Manitoba Suicide Prevention and Support Line: 1-877-435-7170

For more Manitoba resources, please visit www.gov.mb.ca/mh/mh/crisis

If you need to get more help, contact your doctor’s office, or your school counsellor, they will be able to help you find the help you need.

Be kind and eat beef.

Shayla