Where to Find Lucy
Instagram: llucybates
About Lucy
L: I’m Lucy and I am 15! I struggle with OCD, anxiety, and depression, which have affected me for many years. I also have ADHD which impacted me at school a lot and caused me to struggle a lot. Over the last year, my OCD has become debilitating and made me unable to go to school and leave the house. I also have struggled and still struggle with suicidal thoughts and self-harm. I have experienced a lot of things which I felt so alone in and I would love to share my experience in order to help others feel less alone and guide them on things they can do to help themselves or what others can do to help them!
Mental Health
HS: Describe your mental health experience.
L: I am diagnosed with OCD, anxiety, depression, and ADHD! When I was diagnosed, it helped me to understand that I’m not alone but it was hard to get my head around.
HS: If you yourself suffer from a mental illness, how do you deal with it each day? What are some of the methods you use (i.e. meditation, talk therapy, medication, etc.)?
L: I take medication for my OCD, ADHD, and sleeping! I use crystals to help me calm down and sleep and help calm my anxiety. They really help me calm my mind and feel grounded. I also have therapy which helps me get things off my chest!
HS: What does mental health mean to you?
L: Because it’s something that’s affected me so much it means a lot of different things to me. To me, when someone says "mental health" I think of my experiences and what I’ve experienced so it feels uneasy and sad.
HS: Why are you or why do you want to be an advocate for mental health?
L: I want to be one because I think it’s so important to break the stigma around mental health and to educate people on different mental illnesses!
HS: How are you trying to end the stigma of mental health?
L: By speaking about it and sharing my experiences! I think feeling alone is the worst feeling when struggling with your mental health. If time sharing my experiences makes one single person feel less alone in my eyes I have achieved my goal of helping others!
HS: Why should mental health be talked about within the community?
L: So people aren’t afraid to reach out and get help. Also to educate people on how to understand others and themselves! If my OCD hadn’t been recognized as a child, I still wouldn’t know that it’s not just cleaning or being a perfectionist which is a very sad thought.
HS: What are other resources you use to learn more about mental health?
L: I like to read about other people’s experiences!
HS: If you yourself don't suffer from mental health issues but know someone who does, how do you help them to fight their battles?
L: I know people who also struggle and I try to be understanding and offer my support by telling them they are not alone and listening to them. I also ask them what I could do that could help them and tell them things they can do to help themselves! I think it’s important to just know someone’s there for you and that someone cares so I always try and be that person!
HS: Is there anything else you'd like to share?
L: If anyone reading this is struggling I promise you it will get better! I’m proud of you and you're meant to be here :)
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