Answer the following questions in not less than 5 sentences each.

Be specific with your answers and

elaborate.

1. What were the most difficult challenges you have encountered in life?

When I was in Grade 9, I was diagnosed with depressive disorder. The people around me noticed some
changes on how I act but others only see the jolly person that I am. I got used to hide my feelings and be
“professional” whenever I interact with others, especially with our choir. My friends often talk to me
whenever they have problems and I always give them some advice without considering my own
problems, I was too afraid that I would be a burden to my friends. Eventually, it ate me inside and I can’t
help but cry in front of my parents. That time, I can’t handle myself, I raised my voice for them to
understand me but all they do is laugh, thinking this is just some sort of “kaartehan.”

2. How were you able to overcome these challenges?

After my emotional breakdown, my mother came to my room and asked what is happening to me. I
calmly explained how I am feeling, and thought of talking to a professional because I don’t want to self-
diagnose. Thankfully, my mother really wants to understand my case so the day after that night, she
brought me to a psychiatrist. We talked and the doctor explained to my mother what is happening to
me. The medication given by the psychiatrist, along with the healthy environment helped me overcome
the challenge that I was facing.

3. How did these challenges help you to be a better person? How do you think this would prepare you to
your adulthood?

This made me realize that I am not alone, that there is always someone that I can run to whenever I feel
like I can’t handle a certain thing. I know that from the past activities, I always talked about being
independent, but that challenge made a balance. I learned how to handle things without always
depending on others but at the same time, I am aware that I am allowed to ask for some help. I don’t
want to romanticize the idea of having that kind of disorder but somehow, it kind of made me stronger
and helped me prepare to my adulthood.