Accepting My Vulnerabilit

What do you not want anybody else to know about you?

When I was first diagnosed with a depressive episode with psychotic features, I kept it entirely to myself. I felt so embarrassed by my condition, fearing that if people found out, they would judge me, ignore me, and stay away. But the longer I kept it bottled up and refused to communicate, the more I noticed that people couldn't truly understand or respect my boundaries. I realized I had become incredibly sensitive to everything.

After two months of carrying this heavy secret, I gave up trying to hide it. For the first time, I chose to open up about my condition to my supervisor. Surprisingly, he was incredibly supportive and offered me exactly the flexibility and help I needed. In that moment, I felt a wave of relief, like the universe finally understood me.

Three months into my treatment, I took an even bigger step and decided to share my journey on social media. And boom! The response was overwhelming. So many people flooded me with support. A friend living in Japan even texted to check on me, listening deeply without interrupting or judging. Endless prayers and encouragement filled my post.

That was the moment my perspective completely shifted. My depression is not my aib (shameful secret). Instead, it has become a gateway to knowing myself better—understanding my life, my limits, and what I truly want. My depression is just a single chapter in my life, not the whole book. It does not define who I am; it is simply a profound lesson. Today, I am no longer ashamed. I accept it, I learn from it, and I fully embrace my vulnerability.

*) Brianna Wiest 101 Essays that will Change the way You Think (p. 140)