Suffering from severe Anxiety, Depression, Panic Attacks, and mild OCD from the age of 14, I went into therapy and was taking anti-depressants. I wasn't at school for a year and had to return step by step.

To begin with I was seeing Psychiatrists, Psychotherapists and Psychologists. They gave me coping strategies which I put into place to get back into school. It helped alot. When I relapsed, however, I found that it didn't help. I began a course of Hypnotherapy, which I couldn't recommend highly enough.

Feeling depressed was lonely and horrible and nasty. My friends didn't understand. But the anxiety was worse. I couldn't explain to friends why I felt anxious. I just did. The symptoms were awful; the need to use the toilet, fast, shallow breathing, dizziness, sickness, sweating, feeling hot and flustered. But I learnt coping strategies from my therapists and realised that if I didn't face it I would remain in my house forever. The only way to fight it is to take it on. Push yourself. Don't hide and take the easy way out. In the long run you'll be more unhappy.

Now, although I sometimes feel down or anxious, I know how to cope and I know when I am taking too much on. I am happy and feel stronger through my experiences. It's just a case of seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.

Finally, speak up, and don't let stigma or mental illness hold you back!

-Lee-Ann, 20, Surrey