Page 12 - The Final Exam Book - NO GRID 25:03:24

“Seeking physical pain...something to get my mind off the pain in my head...I’m not going to let it win”
Dani
Tina
Tina faced bullying in senior school due to her sexual orientation, which compounded her existing challenges with ADHD, depression, and anxiety. Concerned about her family's reaction and feeling the need to conceal her true self, she found it painful to maintain a facade. "It hurts to have to put on a show and a facade for everyone," Tina expressed. "It’s so scary to be yourself and be with people who don’t feel the same way about it."
In senior school, Tina took a stand for inclusivity by establishing an LGBTQ club. She broke new ground as the school's "rst trans female dancer and immersed herself in musical theatre. She and her peers worked together to foster an environment where they could be "unapologetically ourselves and authentic."
However, the pandemic brought new hurdles. Tina’s therapy sessions were interrupted when her therapist contracted COVID-19, and she found herself isolated, engaging with school remotely. The activities that brought her joy and connection, such as musical theatre and socialising with friends, were put on hold. This pause in her usual routine left her feeling as though her personal growth and creative expression were also on hold. "I have felt very stunted in my creative #ow because of COVID," she shared, re#ecting on the impact of the pandemic on her life.
During her initial senior school years, Dani faced severe anxiety and depression. She resorted to self-harm as a way to distract herself from the mental anguish she experienced, seeking physical pain as a temporary relief from her psychological distress. "My main trigger was I wanted to have some pain, something to get my mind o! the pain in my head," she explained.
The depth of her despair eventually led Dani to a suicide attempt, where she ingested over 50 pills in a bid to end her su!ering. Following this, she was subjected to the Section3 under the Mental Health Act, which is a mandatory psychiatric hold implemented when there is a concern for an individual's safety or the safety of others.
Now, Dani's situation has improved signi"cantly. She has developed coping strategies and, with the aid of therapy and medication, has found a way to manage her mental health. Looking ahead, she aspires to become a child psychologist to o!er support and guidance to young people facing similar challenges. Dani is also keen to raise awareness about the mental health crisis, which has been exacerbated by the isolation and uncertainty brought on by the pandemic.
She draws motivation from the desire to ensure that kids and teenagers, particularly those her age, receive the necessary support. "There are other people who will support and help you. Sharing my story helped me because if I know I’m helping at least one person, that means the world to me," she shared.
Despite her progress, Dani is aware that her journey with depression is ongoing, and she must continually be proactive in her self-care and treatment. "I still have not completed my depression. It’s always going to be there. It’s always going to be in the back corner of my head. Sometimes it gets up and walks to me. I will always keep "ghting. I’m not going to let it win. I am still working on myself," she acknowledges, demonstrating her resolve to maintain her mental health and help others along the way.