A Sioux Falls Woman Confronts Mental Illness

If you're battling depression and anxiety, keep reading!

Jennifer has lived with depression and anxiety for years.

"I was diagnosed in 2004. It has affected my entire life. I have two younger brothers and other family members. It is very hard for any of my family to understand what mental illness is."

But, since the diagnosis, Jennifer has received help from a variety of sources.

"I've been hospitalized. I have gone through out patient programs. I do counseling every week. I see my psychiatrist on a regular basis. I do anything and everything I possibly can."

Jennifer also reaches out to others that are living with mental illness.

"I am very much involved with NAMI (Natioanl Alliance on Mental Illness). I do a number of presentations. I go around to different locations telling people my story. I volunteer all the time. It's really nice to get my story out there and for people to realize there is hope. I am not my illness. I am a person first. My illness is second.  I'm a person just like you! I just need a little help."

So how does Jennifer deal with the depression and anxiety daily?

"I admit it's a roller coaster ride. There are times when I feel really good. There are also times when I could care less if I'm alive. I just have to try and find that happy medium which isn't always easy. It doesn't always happen. I live day by day never knowing what's going to spark the fire.

When in pain, Jennifer says we tend to withdraw.

"Yes. Isolation is a big problem of mine. When I don't feel good...when I don't want to do anything---my apartment is my best friend. That is not always a good thing. However I do get outside everyday whether it's 110 degrees or it's negative 40 below--I force myself to do it!"

From first hand experience, Jennifer offers a message of hope to others afflicted with depression and anxiety.

"There is hope! I've seen it if you just keep fighting and you keep doing the best you can---you can survive. I'm living proof of that."

As part of Mental Health Awareness week, Jennifer encourages people to come out and talk about mental illness with their friends and with their neighbors---reach out to those that represent them, at all levels of government, and ask others to do the same. In Jennifer's words, "we just have to talk about it, bring it forward and let people know where the help is."