Maria's Walk for Mental Health
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It was the summer before Grade 9. I started getting really depressed.....and I would isolate myself for days and days, just crying. I felt empty. I had no purpose.
This emptiness got even darker. I had so much emotional pain. I started to think about suicide.
I started to self-harm. Eventually, my family noticed and they were angry. They told me I was trying to get attention, told me to get over it, and they had no idea what was happening to me. I didn't understand what was happening to me.
I tried to take my own life.
I knew a 12 year old shouldn't feel this way. I needed help. I went to a walk-in clinic and I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety. I was referred to a mental health professional. My mom did not approve. She packed up our things and moved us instead.
I kept searching for help.....when I googled 'help for depression', ROCK Reach Out Centre for Kids came up on the screen. They have walk in clinics for kids every Wednesday where I live. I went the very next Wednesday. I saw a therapist there and I was diagnosed with OCD. PTSD, Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Major Depression. I was afraid of how the world was going to react to me now.
A couple of years later, I attempted suicide three more times. At the hospital, I was diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder. At that moment, I realized that I had a purpose. I knew that I couldn't be the only one with this!!!! I decided that I would be an advocate for mental health and awareness for youth.
My journey has just begun. On Monday, May 2nd I am holding a walk to raise funds and awareness for Kids Mental Health. All funds will directly benefit ROCK Reach Out Centre for Kids. Please join me at Maria's Walk for Mental Health. Details to follow soon.
If you cannot walk with us that day, please gofundme today!!
This emptiness got even darker. I had so much emotional pain. I started to think about suicide.
I started to self-harm. Eventually, my family noticed and they were angry. They told me I was trying to get attention, told me to get over it, and they had no idea what was happening to me. I didn't understand what was happening to me.
I tried to take my own life.
I knew a 12 year old shouldn't feel this way. I needed help. I went to a walk-in clinic and I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety. I was referred to a mental health professional. My mom did not approve. She packed up our things and moved us instead.
I kept searching for help.....when I googled 'help for depression', ROCK Reach Out Centre for Kids came up on the screen. They have walk in clinics for kids every Wednesday where I live. I went the very next Wednesday. I saw a therapist there and I was diagnosed with OCD. PTSD, Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Major Depression. I was afraid of how the world was going to react to me now.
A couple of years later, I attempted suicide three more times. At the hospital, I was diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder. At that moment, I realized that I had a purpose. I knew that I couldn't be the only one with this!!!! I decided that I would be an advocate for mental health and awareness for youth.
My journey has just begun. On Monday, May 2nd I am holding a walk to raise funds and awareness for Kids Mental Health. All funds will directly benefit ROCK Reach Out Centre for Kids. Please join me at Maria's Walk for Mental Health. Details to follow soon.
If you cannot walk with us that day, please gofundme today!!
Organizer
Maria Estrada
Organizer
Burlington, ON
