I started experiencing depression in high school. Looking back, I’d gone through a lot of behavioral changes such as lying, taking drugs, and suddenly failing in school.
No adult ever discussed my mental health with me. So, I kept engaging in my behaviors and getting in trouble. The only comment I remember any adult making to me about anything mental health related was my dad once asked, “You don’t think about killing yourself, do you?” My reply was “yes” and my dad just shook his head in annoyance and this was never mentioned again.
Later on in my 20s I shed some of the behaviors but my abuse of substances was stronger than ever. Alcohol numbed my racing and intrusive thoughts.
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