The Influence of Mental Health looking'Visibly Different'

Growing up, I didn't fully understand terms like "mental health," "depression," or "anxiety." But now, looking back, I can see that I was dealing with these feelings as a young child.

I used to dread going to school because I didn't want other kids to stare at me. One challenging part was P.E class, where the teacher would say, "Find a partner," and I'd be left alone until the teacher paired me up. This made me feel really bad and still affects me today. Even now, I worry about how people will judge me when I enter new places.

I started working in call centers because I could hide behind a desk and not have to deal with people face-to-face. My family owned restaurants, but I remember a manager always sending me to the back, as if customers would be scared if they saw me.

As I got older, I knew something had to change. I ended up working in the front of our family's restaurant, and I was so nervous that my legs shook when I first went to take drink orders from customers. But when I actually talked to them, they were nice, and I realised that all my fear was for nothing. Being yourself is what matters most.

To me, mental health means having the power to choose. It's about facing your fears and being true to yourself. It's a reminder that how you see yourself can change how you experience the world. Sometimes, taking that first step is all it takes to overcome challenges.