Where to Find Rhea Penney
Instagram: @rheapenney_
TikTok: @rayofsunshine1414
email: rheajoanmagaretpenney27@gmail.com Twitter: @rheapenney
About Rhea (she/they)
RP: I was born in July 2004, and my passion is singing. I know that’s unrealistic though so I plan on pursuing a career as a detective. I live in Newfoundland and I have ADHD and possible BPD. Mental illness has always run in my family. Fun fact: I am distantly related to JFK by marriage!
Mental Health
HS: Describe your mental health experience.
RP: I was diagnosed with ADHD at the age of 16 (for reference I’m almost 17). It took so long to finally receive the proper diagnosis; so much time, and so SO many appointments. I was told when I was 15 that there’s a chance that I could have BPD, but I don’t think that I do personally. Being diagnosed with ADHD and being medicated has changed so much- my attention span is much better in school and I’ve just overall been doing a lot better. I was extremely excited when I finally got my diagnosis.
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.)?
RP: With my ADHD, I take one 27mg Concerta pill every morning before 9:30 am. I still struggle with focusing properly off my medication and I always forget things even with lists. I also have a tendency to not think before I speak, so sometimes I’ll say things that upset people. I make sure my friends and family know that it’s okay to politely remind me to do something that I forget, or let me know when I say/do something wrong.
HS: What does mental health mean to you?
RP: Mental health is one of the most important aspects of my life. I always try to keep my positivity levels high and be as aware of my emotions as possible, but it does get hard sometimes. I’ve seen my family struggle my whole life, with bipolar, depression, and so on. it’s taken a toll on me seeing my family at their worst stages in mental health.
HS: Why are you or why do you want to be an advocate for mental health?
RP: As I said previously, I’ve seen most of my family at their worst I would say. I believe that I have enough knowledge to help educate others on mental health issues/stereotypes, and just overall have an impact even if it’s small.
HS: How are you trying to end the stigma of mental health?
RP: Whenever I see a harmful stereotype or something that just isn’t accurate, I do my best to educate the person/people that are behind it. it does hurt sometimes seeing people making more out of mental illness than what it really is, but there will always be some sort of stigma around mental health and that’s very important to understand. The best we can do is educate anyone who believes all the incorrect information.
HS: Why should mental health be talked about within the community?
RP: Mental health should be talked about within communities because everyone deals with mental health. Your peers, coworkers, guardians, everybody has had a bad day, and a good day, and everything in between. It’s also important to understand that mental health isn’t only feeling sad or having a rough day. Mental health includes all emotions, like happiness! I feel as though not many people remember that when talking about mental health.
HS: What are other resources you use to learn more about mental health?
RP: I mainly talk to my psychiatrist if I have questions about mental health. I would say the most reliable sources are therapists, psychologists, psychiatrists, and everyone else who works in the mental health industry.
HS: Is there anything else you'd like to share?
RP: I’d like to apologize if I ever get off track when answering a question. I tend to lose my train of thought a lot when talking about something, especially if all the questions have to do with one subject like this interview. If you have symptoms of any mental illness please do not self-diagnose! Seek professional help, I had no choice but to self-diagnose for so long because I didn’t have available resources and I googled tips and tricks to help with my struggles for so long. If you think you have any mental illness at all please don’t hesitate to visit your family doctor and book an appointment with a psychiatrist!
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