Emily, 24, Melbourne

Hobbies: Cooking, eating, writing, music and hiking.

Briefly describe your experience with depression and anxiety?

I have had depression for almost 10 years now, and anxiety for as long as I can remember. My teenage years and early 20s were a whirlwind of instability and darkness, but I am a wiser, stronger and more courageous person for getting through it.

Being diagnosed for the first time was terrifying and it took me a while to embrace my illness. Once I did though, I stuck it out and gave heaps of different things a burl.  I tried psychology, counselling, psychiatry, meditation, art therapy, meditation, reading, writing and even online blogging.  Getting treatment was easily the hardest, and the best, decision I have ever made and luckily I had the love and support of one very special person throughout my journey (which I am still on today!).

What do you think young people need to know about keeping mentally healthy?

Talk, talk and talk!  Whether you tweet, text, facebook, MSN, blog, email or write, communication is numero uno.  Chatting to your mates, your lover, your nanna, your brother, your aunty, your neighbour about how you feel upstairs is a must-do!   It’s also important to listen to others too in case they aren’t feeling too crash hot either, and if you notice things that are a little odd then yes, do some more talking!

Also keep in mind that there are heaps of people out there whose job is to help you and your mates out.  Just jump online and Google away!  Youthbeyondblue’s site is great starting point.

What does the National Youth Week theme ‘Live it Now!’ mean to you?

It’s about getting yourself out there and taking control of the everyday things.  It’s time to shake things up a bit, break those boring-as-hell routines and get out of your comfort zones.  Do something different, embrace your good points and your flaws, explore your mind, discover your sexuality and most importantly, LOOK AFTER YOURSELF.  Don’t be afraid to give yourself a break and pamper your body and your mind.  Young people deserve it the most.

What’s the best thing about being a young person?

The best part about being a young person (which I plan on being for at least another five years) is not being sure about what you’re going to be ‘when you grow up’.  It sounds super daggy, but the world is our oyster and being young is a free ticket to try out as many things as you can dream of.  Your feelings about who you are or what you want to do can change daily so make the most of exploring these feelings and sussing new things out.