Andrés
Andrés
This is not something that defines me
Andrés, a doctor, has struggled with his mental health for the past 10 years. When he was living alone, he began using unhealthy coping methods to tolerate loneliness. A breaking point came when this began to affect his work and social relationships.
It’s super hard to realize and acknowledge that you are struggling. When you are finally doing well and happen to relapse, it’s super hard to accept when you are struggling again and admit that you need help.
Andrés was diagnosed with a depressive disorder with anxiety that is characterized by a significant decrease in almost all activities, thoughts of worthlessness and death, constant worries, and difficulty concentrating.
Several years ago, he began cognitive behavior therapy and medication treatment that has helped him to achieve his life goals.
I developed a strong support system with mental health treatment. Therapy has helped me a lot during the critical moments to handle thoughts of self-harm. I have learned to accept that there are going to be relapses and that I have to recognize them.
I know my anxiety is too high when my thoughts start going too fast and I have ruminating thoughts.
He has gone through a process of self-awareness that has allowed him to identify trigger situations and learn healthier ways of coping with these situations.
Andrés recognizes that mental health has a huge stigma that can affect different aspects of a person’s life, such as work and social circles, and that not everyone has the ability to access high-quality treatment.
The biggest problem with mental health is all these taboos and that’s why people are afraid to talk, when in fact they don’t realize that talking about mental health is a positive thing. It’s taking charge of your path, your process, and moving forward with your condition.
Currently, Andrés has continued to engage in therapy, which has helped him to identify symptoms, acquire tools to deal with anxiety and intrusive thoughts, and practice healthy habits that have allowed him to achieve a full life.
I’ve managed to graduate, continue with my career, get my degree, and keep working hard, despite having a mental health condition. This is not something that defines me, it’s just a part of my life. All human beings at some point in their lives can struggle with a condition.
It doesn’t really have to change your life and that depends a lot on how you take it.
Andrés’ story is also available in Spanish
