Page 32 - The Final Exam Book - NO GRID 25:03:24

Josh
My mental health journey commenced at a remarkably young age, with signs of atypical behaviour surfacing when I was just 18 months old. As I grew older, I exhibited accelerated development and also began displaying concerning traits, such as pulling out my own hair and experiencing sensory issues with clothing. Certain fabrics would cause extreme discomfort, leading me to insist on wearing clothes inside out to alleviate the discomfort on my skin.
At the age of six, I received a diagnosis of trichotillomania, a stress disorder characterised by hair-pulling, which shed light on my previous behaviours. However, my struggles persisted, exacerbated by bullying at school and a signi"cant decline in my mental well-being. One of the most distressing episodes occurred during my ninth year of schooling, when I experienced a severe panic attack and sensory overload in a maths class. Overwhelmed by the intensity of my emotions, I felt an overwhelming urge to escape, yet my pleas for help were met with indi!erence from my peers and teachers. It was at this point that I sought medical intervention.
Following extensive assessments, I was diagnosed with High- Functioning Autism, Extreme Anxiety, Reactive Depression, and Tic Disorder. These diagnoses provided a sense of clarity and validation, helping me understand the origins of my sensitivities and struggles. Initially, my mother struggled to comprehend the diagnoses, having attributed my childhood and teenage challenges to "toddler tantrums" and "puberty" until the medical con"rmation provided a new perspective. The diagnoses served as a beacon of hope, validating my experiences, and dispelling the notion that my struggles were merely trivial or inconsequential.
Subsequently, I embarked on a
advocated for my transition to homeschooling, a decision that brought immense relief. The guidance and support from my mental health nurse empowered me to prioritise self- understanding and self-care, ultimately leading to my discharge from treatment a year later.
Re#ecting on my life with a mental health diagnosis, I view it as a poignant narrative of adversity, acceptance, self-discovery, growth, and resilience. My experiences have shaped me into the compassionate and resilient individual I am today, instilling in me a deep-seated desire to support and uplift others facing similar challenges. I am driven by the intent to e!ect positive change in the world, drawing strength from my past struggles and remaining committed to making a meaninful di!erence in the lives of others. I "rmly believe that
challenges, anyone can, and I am unwavering in my determination to contribute to a brighter, more compassionate world.
therapy sessions that delved
journey of treatment, engaging in
into my past experiences and
if I can overcome these
“My struggles persisted...diagnoses provided a sense of clarity and validation...dispelling the notion that y struggles were merely trivial or inconsequential”