Search Content

My mental illness began to show signs the day I turned 14. Prior to this, I lived a good life. I wasn’t extremely happy but I was content. I had some friends, I did well in school, and my family relationships were ok. But on my 14th birthday, this all changed.

I woke up that day in early September feeling okay at first but around 8am, I became very depressed for no reason I could say exactly. I told my mother (grandmother) that I was going to go for a walk, but I had another plan. There is a 15–20-foot lighthouse by a lake near where I live. It is a truly beautiful place but, on this day, it wasn't so beautiful. 

For me as a Black woman, the celebration of Juneteenth is much more than just a 24-hour long holiday. Instead, it painfully reminds me of the strength, trauma and extreme sacrifice my ancestors experienced in order for me to be afforded the opportunities I have today. It also serves as a reminder of the continued work we need to do to ensure future generations are provided the same, if not additional, opportunities.

I was very sensitive as a child and was born as a twin. At the age of 15, my first panic symptom started when my neighbor suddenly passed away and I became afraid of death. For those reading my story, I can assure you that you can come out of this completely. Anyone can recover if you are determined and put all these things together.  

Alberto has dealt with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) for five years. Here are four ways (combined with medication and therapy) that he has found helpful in managing his anxiety and depression.