My True Story is true #No104

"In this photo I look composed, happy, relaxed. In reality, I had a panic attack about 20 minutes prior to it being taken..." - Charlie

"I was in a dark place, suffering severely from my anxiety and depression, signed off from work since January - it was now May.

My friends and family were unaware, my employers weren't too happy about my being signed off. I ended up in a legal battle after my employers tried to discipline and get rid of me due to my absence. I am still in that legal battle - it is now June.

I couldn't get up in the morning. I couldn't do the basics to look after myself, get up, showered, dressed, fed. I lost confidence, I started to hate how I look in the mirror, every good habit I had implemented into my life to help me deal with my anxiety, I lost.

Now, 6 months on, I am unemployed. I am tired. I am still struggling. But I'm getting better.I got help, I ASKED FOR HELP!

I told my friends and family, I became UNASHAMED of who I am!

And I'm taking steps in the right direction - I'm going to university in September, I'm opening my own business, I'm feeling healthier and more energetic a little bit more each day.

This picture hurts to look at, because I remember the shame, guilt, sadness of that time. I feel like a fraud.

However it also makes me proud to look at, because it reminds me who I am, what I've been through, and how strong I really can be. It's a marker of where I have been, where I am, and where I am going!"

True story told by Charlie @underyourskin_ce_

ff you have been affected by Charlies' story, please visit our help page.