Page 28 - The Final Exam Book - NO GRID 25:03:24

Megan
I have a vivid memory from my primary school days in Year 5, playing on the monkey bars and thinking to myself, "I just want to live a life where I'm not nervous all the time." It was quite a profound thought for a young child.
As I grew older, around Year 10, it became clear that something was holding me back, although mental health was not openly discussed at that time. I believed I was the only one experiencing these feelings.
By this point, my initial anxiety had evolved into a new challenge, with depression and obsessive rumination at its core. I also had an impulsive streak that I thought was just a quirky part of my personality. I felt lonely and had very low self-esteem, and I knew that something needed to change. At the age of 19, I "nally sought help from a doctor after researching my symptoms online. I was diagnosed with Depression and Generalised Anxiety Disorder and was prescribed medication, advised to exercise, get su$cient sleep, and see a psychologist.
The diagnosis validated my feelings, which was important. People are more than just a diagnosis, but it can provide a framework for progress. It is crucial that the framework is accurate to ensure the best possible outcomes. Initially, this was not the case for me, but it was a starting point and an important "rst step. Following the initial diagnosis, my journey has been "lled with uncertainties. I felt that I did not quite "t the pro"le of the diagnoses I had been given. After multiple failed relationships, behavioural interventions, extensive study, and self-discovery, my path led me back to the hospital following a student exchange in the UK.
It was there, almost 10 years after my initial diagnosis and nearly 20 years after my "rst encounter with mental illness, that I was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder with comorbid Bipolar Disorder Type 2.
Fortunately, this seems to be the correct diagnosis and has provided me with a path to recovery. While I would never de"ne myself or anyone else by a label, it does o!er a way forward in terms of receiving the appropriate help needed and living a ful"lling and productive life.
My strategy for getting well was to research—this was my "rst step. You cannot overcome something when you don't understand what you're dealing with. So, I explored di!erent treatment options and how to access them. I had regular appointments with my GP, and together we arranged a Mental Health Care Plan so I could see a psychologist regularly. I also consulted a psychiatrist to adjust my medications. Importantly, I set goals for what I wanted to achieve from treatment.
Friendships are also crucial. I am fortunate to have a wonderful circle of friends who support each other as needed. They may not fully understand what I'm going through, but they don't need to. Knowing that they will be there for me if things get tough is comforting, and I would do the same for them.
I volunteer as a Community and School Presenter because I am committed to helping as many people as possible avoid the struggles I have faced. I particularly enjoy the school presentations, as I remember how discussions about mental health were not available during my schooling. I imagine that a student listening to me speak may be going through experiences similar to what I went through at their age. Perhaps my words can change their outlook and set them on a positive path. If just one person takes away a message from my presentations and uses it to transform their life, I would consider that an amazing outcome. Every presentation is special to me, and having the opportunity to hear other people's stories when they approach me afterward is very meaningful.
Life is not easy for anyone. It is crucial to treat each other with kindness and the respect we all deserve. When we look at a person, we only see their face. We don't see what's behind it: the memories, experiences, inner turmoil, and victories. We need to change our perception of how we treat each other and be mindful of the fact that there is much more beneath the smiling face in front of us.
Many of my friends may read this and have no idea about the struggles I have faced for so long. It's a valuable lesson that we need to be kind and supportive to everyone, as a small gesture of kindness can have a profound impact on people's lives.