My name is Ashlyn. I am 21 years old and I live in New Zealand. I have a degree, a job, a boyfriend, a cat, tattoos, piercings, short red hair, glasses, and a very curious mind. I lived my life up until last year knowing exactly what I wanted, when I wanted it and if it wasn't what I wanted then I would say something about it. Well, no. I would generally manipulate someone else into saying something about it, and then agree with them when asked.
Two years ago I was diagnosed with general anxiety disorder and depression. I refused to accept that I was not coping and took the first medication they gave me, despite the fact that it did not do much to help. I ended up going off my meds and, naturally, became worse. I was in a relationship which was failing and one day when I realised that my partner and I had not spoken in about a week, I ended the relationship. He did not seem to care.
I, however, completely broke down.
I moved back home with my parents and spent two months barely speaking to anyone, without a job and with very few friends. I was ashamed of what had happened to me and I needed those two months to really come to terms with what had happened to me. I found a job at my local grocery store, met my current boyfriend, made some friends and started to live again.
I still suffer from the occasional anxiety attack, but I now know how to deal with it without medication. I've become strong willed, fierce and sometimes a little fiery, but I now know I will not allow myself to be taken advantage of, or stepped on. I am now aware that my point of view, and my opinions matter, because I have been through far too much for them to be ignored.