(WXYZ) — Devin Farnham, 27, works part-time at ACE Hardware while pursuing degrees in biology and criminal justice full-time from Madonna University.
“I would pursue a variety of careers, but forensics would be ideal,” Farnham said.
Farnham said she is optimistic about her future both professionally and personally. However, this was not always the case.
“It all happened out of the blue, when I was about 15 years old, and the initial feeling was just an anxious feeling, like nervousness and not wanting to leave the house,” Farnham said. Ta.
Farnham's anxiety only worsened as she subsequently suffered bouts of depression.
“Because of this, I didn't go to school for about three months in ninth grade. I stayed at home all the time, sleeping in my mom's bed with her. That was the only place I felt safe,” Farnham said. said.
“Is it okay to say that I felt out of place?” I asked.
“I definitely felt alone because I didn't know anyone who suffered from anxiety,” Farnham said.
She added, “I was really young and I was really scared. My mom made me feel so safe. She really helped me.”
Thanks to his mother, Devin has access to a lot of support, including the past five years at Oakland Family Services. Jamie Clayton, the nonprofit's president and CEO, said family support and recognition of the need to get help continue to be key elements of Devin's success story.
“If you can't get out of bed, if you don't eat, if you're not as interested in things as you used to be, that's a sign of more serious depression. And we definitely want you to talk to someone. And just saying, “Cheer up,'' isn't the answer. And that's not what anyone wants to hear. What they want to hear is, Wow, you really are. It sounds like you're having a hard time. How can I help you?'' Clayton said.
Clayton said Oakland Family Services sees 40,000 people a year, nearly 3,000 of whom are suffering from mental health issues.
“There's a lot less stigma around talking about mental health issues than there used to be, and I think the reason for that is because of COVID-19 and, unfortunately, school shootings. People. “There seems to be more interest than just talking about mental health issues. There are people who are looking for help for more than just mental health. There's been a huge increase in demand for people seeking treatment.” said Clayton.
Meanwhile, Farnham is living her best life despite battling anxiety and depression.
“I feel like it's always with me. I've learned a lot of coping mechanisms over the years that I do regularly in my daily life. Once you get there, it's good.” said Farnham.
Clayton says there's no such thing as too big or too small when it comes to mental health. If you need help, be sure to contact him.
Oakland Family Services is open to everyone. To learn more about how you can support nonprofits financially, visit www.oaklandfamilyservices.org.
