Dear Depression,

So you have reared your ugly head again. You have been with me for a long time now. I did not invite you or want you.  You stole my confidence and made me hate myself. I have felt so empty and alone at times. I have faced stigma from people who were supposed to care.  How is it that you manage to take peoples life and ruin relationships? You have cost me so much over the years, loss of friendship, and breakdown in relationships. The good news for me and the bad news for you is without you I would not be doing some of the stuff I am doing today or achieved what I have achieved.

I have become an activist for mental health, I campaign on many issues such as stigma. I was invited to Number 10 Downing Street, after writing to the prime minister. I have helped many people and have made a difference too many people’s lives. So when you decide to annoy me. I go and volunteer at a drop in and help disadvantaged people. When I am doing this you cannot touch me.  The black fog is upon me again but I will not be beaten today I am going to write a blog This really helps me and when I am doing this I do not think about you, or care about you. I also enjoy going out for coffee and using my beauty products. Today I will finish my blog and then check out some beauty products. I also love fashion, so I may go and buy some new clothes.

I will fight you to the end, it has taken me a long time to get to this point. I can look back and see my progression, this drives me onward and upward. I have come so far from the days when you owned me. You resisted different medications and different therapies, but guess what I am still here.

So depression I would like to thank you as you have made me the person I am today.

Thank you.

Claudette

Claudette is a passionate campaigner and activist for mental health stigma and domestic abuse. She believes that everyone should be treated equally regardless of their disability or gender. She has diagnoses of Bipolar Disorder, endometriosis, Chronic Fatigue and Fibromyalgia. Claudette has a certificate in Management studies.  Her interests include beauty, makeup, animals politics, current affairs and social networking.

You can follow Claudette on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.