Victoria Tymosiewicz - Beyond the Label - Ambassador

"My grandma’s passing totally changed me. Bad thoughts that didn’t make sense would come into my head randomly. They would speak to me in my own voice. Telling me I’m useless and hopeless. Convincing me how bad things are and how bad they are going to be. Reminding me why I should hate myself. I had no control as more and more voices pushed me to the edge. Everything was collapsing around me. There seemed to be no way out except by ending my life.

Having tried all that I could with the support of my family, I did not get any better. That left me with the final option to seek help from a professional and visit a psychiatrist, where I was diagnosed with Depression. But apart from those closest to me, I was embarrassed to let anyone else know. People may think you’re crazy, look at you with pity, or not confide in you because they think you can’t handle it. So I often had to suppress my emotions and pretend everything was okay.

I then started researching ways to help myself. Exercise was one of them. I began working out at the gym. From there, it became a lifestyle, then it turned into a profession. Today, I’m a certified Personal Trainer. I’ve not only become physically stronger, but emotionally stronger too.

At the same time, I expanded my social circle and shared my story publicly, to give others hope that things will get better. I used to have no goals, feel this life was worthless and believe it didn’t matter if I died young. But I’ve learnt to love myself and make peace with my condition. Opening up was what helped strengthen relationships with my family and friends the most. So if you’re on the dark side, go see a doctor, seek support from others or try something new. Don’t stay stuck in that space, get out of there."

- Victoria Tymosiewicz, student who has recovered from Depression

Learn more about how we tackle mental health stigma through the Beyond the Label movement.

Read more about the personal journey of our Beyond the Label campaign ambassadors.