Out of Stigma’s Shadow: Emily’s Story

“I can only describe it as like a weird sense of dread.” 

“It’s just really important for people to know they are not alone.” 

When Emily was in high school, she found herself as the de facto caretaker for her mom, who was mentally and physically ill. Emily struggled with severe anxiety, made even more difficult because of stigma surrounding mental health issues and challenges accessing therapy services.  Emily is now pursuing a degree in family and human services and notes that, while she is doing better managing her anxiety, it can still be challenging at times.