My name is Diana. I'm known on Instagram here as @klattalyst ! I am a graduate student studying epidemiology and global health in Florence, Italy.
Today, I am healthy and managing my depression. But two years ago, it was not quite the same.
Before starting this degree, I was in medical school due to family pressure and obligations – I never really wanted to work in medicine.
Over time, I stopped all my hobbies, became closed off, stopped eating, and lost a lot of weight. My depression began affecting my behavior in class and my interactions with my instructors. I developed extreme anxiety and low self-esteem.
I finally decided to go to a therapist, who diagnosed me with depression.
Therapy helped get my life back on track.
We created a daily schedule that got me out of the house each day. I signed up to run a marathon, giving me routine and physical activity (and a new, healthy addiction). We worked through the fact that I was living a life I didn’t want… I ended up leaving the school and switched back to a research based field!
I was terrified to tell my family, but everyone has been so supportive in my decisions. They all had seen what I had not, and they know how much happier I am now.
I think many people don’t realize how supportive the people around them can be! People genuinely want you to be happy and succeed. Creating a community of people who recognize this and will help you push through the tough times. That is the best thing you can do for yourself.
1st picture: My first week living in Florence
2nd picture: My desktop image since leaving medical school two years ago
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I wrote about this on my blog in hopes to help normalize mental health issues:
https://klattalyst.com/flirtingwithdepression/
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Thank you for reading! Comment and like to support, DM to contribute!
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