Mental Illness continues to carry a stigma in today's world. While more of society has come to better understand the most common of mental illnesses such as anxiety and depression, it still carries an unwanted stigma. In my previous articles, I've talked about my own mental illness. For first time readers, I suffer from anxiety, social anxiety, and seasonal depression. I've been very open, honest, and raw with my journey because I don't want anyone to feel alone or ashamed. I refuse to let my mental Illness define me.

I am going to be a senior in college studying Forensic Psychology. For those that don't know what that is, think "Criminal Minds". That's exactly what I want to do. I cannot tell you how many times I've been asked why I'm doing it. I've been told "you can't help anyone yourself if your mentally ill" "you're an anxiety prone person why would you want to be around those type of people" "I don't think that's the right career path for you" . Now I will be honest I have anxiety about getting robbed at work and kidnapped, but I am working towards not letting it define me. I understand how irrational these thoughts are and let me tell you how much progress I have made. My anxiety no longer rules my life as it used to. Do I have off days? Absolutely but don't let it knock you down, you get back up. Don't let one bad day ruin all the progress you've made.

I refuse to let my mental illness define me. While anxiety, and seasonal depression are not curable they are tolerable. My anxiety has not affected my job AT ALL. If I wasn't so open with my journey people wouldn't even know I have anxiety. Don't let your mental illness define you. It does not define how capable you are of doing your job, work, school, or even just living life! We all have our own struggles but what truly matters is working toward not letting your mental illness rule your life. And as long as you are working towards becoming healthier and better, then that's all that matters. Don't let anyone tell you your mental illness defines you. You are a warrior for battling your mind everyday.