GB Views: Today was the day I opened up about my depression

Today was the day.

I have had Clinical Depression and General Anxiety Disorder for my whole adult life. It is a part of my day-to-day because I must think about managing it, controlling it and not letting it take over.

But I don’t tell people about it.

'It's so overwhelming, like you can't get enough oxygen'

GB News reporter Rachel Sweeney shares her experience as one of the estimated 8 million brits who live with anxiety after Jesy Nelson revealed she suffered with panic attacks while in Little Mix. pic.twitter.com/OvRzl3JQA5

— GB News (@GBNEWS) August 22, 2021

I didn’t want to be judged as a journalist, a mother or as a woman.

But I do feel that being on television comes with a responsibility to be honest and open.

So often, we encourage viewers to take care of themselves, not to feel alone and to always ask for help. But what example am I setting if I am coming across as someone who is not affected?

Every year on Mental Health Awareness Week I want to talk about it, but the week passes, and I say nothing.

'Of all the bubbly people I meet it would not strike me that you suffer, and yet you do.'

Simon McCoy praises GB News reporter Rachel Sweeney for opening up about her experiences with depression and anxiety. pic.twitter.com/XPLeiBjwhj

— GB News (@GBNEWS) August 23, 2021

Maybe it is because I am being encouraged to be my true self for the first time, maybe it is because I am older or maybe it is because my son has changed the things I worry about – I care a lot less about how I am perceived because this little person thinks I am amazing – I don’t know, but something has changed and I feel ready to say, “yes, I suffer”.

Depression can happen to anyone, and I want you to know that you are not alone. We are not alone. One in four of us struggle with mental health.

It’s okay if you aren’t ready to talk, one day you will be.

I hope that we can keep this conversation going, and offer support, kindness and understanding.