Vulnerability is Strength

Diabetes. Torn knee ligaments. High blood pressure. Hypothyroidism. Myopia. Eczema. Depression. All of these are health issues that can happen to anyone. And yet, we still live in a society where the last issue is still commonly dealt with in the shadows, as if the brain wasn’t an organ in our body - like the pancreas or the thyroid - that sometimes the brain might not work as expected.

Unfortunately, there is so much unnecessary shame and taboo attached to talking about health when it is mental health. This is why I like to openly talk about my condition. I was diagnosed with depression and generalized anxiety in my early 20s and I have (happily) been on meds for it since then.

There should be no reason for me or anyone else to hide this or feel that they are ‘lesser than’ for it. If anything, talking about it can be empowering, and I’ve found great strength in vulnerability.

When it comes to mental health issues, most people have their first episode by the time they are in their mid-20s. Compared to the general population, university students have significantly higher levels of mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety. This is why I feel that I must openly talk about my condition with students (and colleagues).

I want them to know that they are not alone. I want them to see that they don’t have to be afraid of mental health-related diagnoses. This could even be the first step to getting better by encouraging them to seek help. I hope they too can come to find strength through embracing their vulnerability.