"After my mission to Afghanistan, my mother sent me to a doctor." - Kim

I’m Kim, I’m 40 years old, a veteran and I’m currently working in the logistics sector. 

In my spare time I like to play sports (kickboxing), go hiking, read a book, have cuddle sessions with my two sphynxes and I like to go out with my husband and/or friends. I got diagnosed very late (when I was 38 years old).

When I came back from my mission to Afghanistan, my mother sent me to a doctor because I was depressed. Since then, I've had more and more of periods like these, I became more emotional, I felt stuck and I was severely fatigued. Eventually I got diagnosed and shortly after that I had to call in sick, because I was in a burnout. I really didn’t enjoy life, it was very tough and I felt very down.

‌I’m proud of myself that I continued to see some brightness in the darkness, which gave me something to fight for, and that I asked for help to not to give in to those dark thoughts. That I always stayed hopeful that things will change for the better. I’m also proud of my parents, my sister, my husband and my friends, because they have always been there for me. I had to search for the right guidance for a long time, but now that I have it, a world opens up for me, literally.

‌Therefore, my tip is to not give up, stay open-minded and find someone who can help you discover the best version of yourself. Everyone is unique, be-YOU-tiful.