My Journey Through Tackling My Mental Health Issues A Baby Step At A Time

I am a 19 year old student originally from the Orkney Islands and currently residing in Dundee. I have been involved with many organisations in Orkney and I have always had a keen passion for music and drama. I am in my second year at the University of Dundee studying Primary Education. Teaching children has been what I have wanted to do for the majority of my life with my main goal being to make a difference to children's lives, especially to those who are perhaps less fortunate than myself. 

A few months ago I was at the lowest point of my life. I knew things needed to change but I couldn't make a conscious effort to do anything about it. I struggled to get out of bed, missed work, couldn't socialise etc and I knew it was getting out of hand. It was only when some loved ones sat me down and expressed their concerns that I initially started to realise that I may have depression. Depression is something that does not discriminate. To many, I come across as a very happy person, would look like I had no problems, I had a happy home and a very supportive environment. However inside it was a totally different story and now thankfully due to seeking help I am finally on the road to recovery. I am using this page, not as a page for sympathy, but to share my story in the hope that others can relate and hope that we can all support each other. I think this is something we need to talk about more in Orkney especially and I hope in doing this, that it can be spoken about more openly and folk who need the support can take baby steps towards gaining the confidence to seek it. It may be a bad day, but this is not a bad life and you deserve to be happy. You are important and you are loved, remember that. 
Lots of love,
Gemma x