Invisible Illnesses Unveiled – Major Depressive Disorder

Breaking the Silence: My Health Journey and the Power of Genetic Testing

This year, I’ve made the decision to speak up and share my story in the hope of breaking stigmas, knocking down walls, and inspiring others to take control of their health through advocacy and research. My goal is to help people realize they are not alone in their struggles and to show that growth and healing are possible.

For the first time, I began seeing a therapist and was officially diagnosed with Severe Major Depressive Disorder. Not mild, but severe. I was shocked by the diagnosis, but it’s time to acknowledge it and take action. Mental health struggles are real, and ignoring them won’t make them disappear.

Throughout my health journey, I also decided to look deeper into my genetics. One of the genes I carry is SLC6A4, a type of monoamine transporter protein responsible for transporting serotonin. This gene leads to a lower rate of response to SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), which are commonly prescribed antidepressants. Genetically speaking, this gene variant impacts how an individual responds to stress and their cortisol response—the hormone your body produces to cope with stress.

This particular gene is associated with a higher risk for anxiety, depression, OCD, PTSD, Alzheimer’s, and even autism. For those who feel that alcoholism “runs in the family,” this gene variant is also connected to that. These are all the reasons why I firmly believe that everyone should consider genetic testing. By knowing what you are predisposed to, you can take preventative measures, as well as receive the proper treatments that cater to your unique genetic makeup. Certain genes can cause resistance to specific treatments, which makes genetic testing all the more valuable for personalized healthcare.

At 33, I’m finally confronting something that I saw signs of in my early childhood. Mental health has always been surrounded by shame and stigma, making it difficult for anyone to acknowledge or even understand. For years, when I felt down or depressed, I never thought of it as a chemical imbalance or a disorder. Instead, I blamed it on insecurities and a lack of self-worth, truly believing that I was worthless.

Today, I have the ability to recognize those moments for what they are—not a reflection of my worth, but simply a depressive episode that will pass. I remind myself that it’s okay to feel this way and that I am not defined by these moments. I understand now that this is an ongoing journey—one that requires continuous effort and self-compassion.

Looking back, I feel immense sadness for the young girl, teenager, and young woman I once was. She didn’t know that her struggle was not a personal failing but a dark cloud obscuring her view of the world. She didn’t realize that she could take a deep breath and wait for the storm to pass. Instead, the shame and stigma she faced made her feel isolated, as though she was the only one suffering. That belief kept her locked in silence, fighting alone for far too long.

Opening up about mental health is incredibly difficult. People often judge, form opinions, label you, make assumptions, or simply shut down. For example, today I confided in a friend about my recent diagnosis and how, up until now, it never felt real to me. I shared what I was feeling with this new acknowledgment, only for the subject to be quickly changed, as if I never said anything. When you open up to someone about your health and it gets dismissed, you can start to feel like you can’t trust or confide in anyone.

But, I’ve learned that I can let that go and move forward, knowing that there are people who will listen and understand. Maybe not everyone is equipped to handle these kinds of conversations, and that’s okay. I simply hope to raise awareness about the epidemic of depression, which tragically claims so many lives.

If you are someone’s friend or confidant and don’t know how to handle their struggles, the best thing you can do is direct them to someone who can offer support. Dismissing or ignoring their feelings can make them feel more isolated and unheard.

Mental health disorders are another form of invisible illness. When people meet me, they see a friendly smile and a positive demeanor, but most would never guess that I’ve battled depression for most of my life.

And, I can’t even begin to explain how much it frustrates me when a complete stranger says, “Smile! It can’t be that bad!” If you’re the type of person who wants to say something in those moments, try something more supportive like, “I hope you have a great day” instead. Small gestures like that can lift someone’s spirits, even if only for a moment.

My advice to anyone in a relationship with someone who struggles with depression is simple: you have to be patient. When they isolate themselves or push you away, try to stay close, respecting their need for space while ensuring they don’t feel more alone. We don’t want to push you away—it’s often a form of self-sabotage because, in that moment, we genuinely feel like you’d be better off without us. Consider coming up with a code word to help communicate through these times. Communication is invaluable. Always talk through these moments, reflect on them, and figure out how to better handle them next time.

If you’re the one struggling with depression in the relationship, patience is crucial on your end too. Your partner may not fully understand, but they care enough to try. Bear with them, listen, and remember, no matter how stubborn you feel, you still need to make the effort. You have to do the work—reading self-help books, going to therapy, and trying. If you don’t, their help and support can’t fully reach you. No one can save you except yourself. This is your battle to fight, even if you have people on your side.

If you find yourself unable to manage or cope with your depression, don’t hesitate to seek help. Some people don’t know what to do or how to offer the right kind of support, so seeking professional help is a great next step. There are resources available, and you don’t have to face it alone.

Some people are prisoners to their own minds. I’m fortunate to have found coping mechanisms that help me get through the tough times, but for those who haven’t, it can lead them down a dark, traumatic path that may result in self-harm or worse. Depression exists on a spectrum, from mild to severe, and everyone copes differently. As a community, we need to open our eyes and be aware—whether it’s seeking help for ourselves or knowing where to direct someone in need when they turn to us for support.