Melody, a 25-year-old woman from Geneva, has been suffering from depression since the age of 10 [fcca77bd]. In a book she co-wrote with her mother, titled 'Cancer de l'âme' (Cancer of the Soul), Melody sheds light on the invisible and mysterious nature of depression [fcca77bd]. Despite trying various treatments, she has not found relief from her depression and hopes to undergo a promising therapy involving psychedelics [fcca77bd]. Melody emphasizes that depression is a disease like cancer and can be fatal, expressing frustration with the lack of understanding and support from the medical community [fcca77bd]. Throughout her struggle, Melody's mother has been a constant source of support [fcca77bd]. Melody has experienced suicidal thoughts but has always managed to fight against them. She has found temporary relief through treatments involving ketamine, but the effects have not been long-lasting [fcca77bd]. Now, Melody is exploring the potential of psychedelic treatments under the supervision of a specialist, hoping that her experience can contribute to improving the care for people with depression [fcca77bd].
Mylen Walker, a 26-year-old artist from Long Beach, is using his platform to inspire others while battling vitiligo, an autoimmune disorder [bf76457a]. Walker developed vitiligo at the age of 13 and initially struggled with anxiety and depression, wearing makeup every day for five years [bf76457a]. However, he had a pivotal moment in college where he decided to embrace his unique look. Walker created his own clothing brand called Nobody's Perfect, which encourages others to be comfortable in their skin [bf76457a]. He also ventured into making music and released his first song called Psyche under the name Mylen Makes [bf76457a]. Walker hopes to continue making music and inspiring people, aiming to give back and ensure that no one feels the way he did during his lowest moments [bf76457a].
Vuyolwethu Mgwelo, an e.tv news anchor, struggled with anxiety and lack of confidence [ad47d87d]. She was put on antidepressants but became dependent on them [ad47d87d]. However, Mgwelo regained her confidence after studying journalism and working on TV news [ad47d87d]. She had felt intimidated by people's accents and articulation, but she overcame these challenges and found her voice in the industry [ad47d87d]. Mgwelo's story serves as an inspiration to others who may be facing similar struggles, showing that it is possible to overcome anxiety and lack of confidence [ad47d87d].
Lydia Berman, a 46-year-old mother from Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, was diagnosed with ADHD at the age of 45 [535febc6]. A grief counsellor helping her cope with the death of her mother pointed out her patterns of thinking were characteristic of ADHD [535febc6]. Lydia struggled in school, always feeling like she didn't fit in and assuming others were smarter than her. She found exams difficult and anxiety-inducing, as sitting still and concentrating for a fixed amount of time went against her natural tendencies [535febc6]. Despite her difficulties, Lydia pursued a career in graphic design and later started her own business. She launched a sub-brand called Mapper Cards, which caters to people who think differently [535febc6]. During grief counselling in 2023, Lydia's therapist identified her ADHD traits, which were later confirmed by her doctor. Lydia now understands why she struggled in school and feels like her diagnosis finally makes sense. She believes an ADHD diagnosis can help people discover more productive ways of learning and working [535febc6].
Sylvette David, also known as Lydia Corbett, reflects on her time as Picasso's muse and how it inspired her own art [4efaf83c]. She describes the experience as magical and like a fairy tale, where she would sit quietly as Picasso painted her. She learned about painting by observing him and he told her that creativity is happiness [4efaf83c]. The 'girl with the ponytail' became a familiar presence in Picasso's work, and her image had a wider impact on cultural society. Corbett expresses gratitude for the doors Picasso opened for her and says that she is in awe when she sees his works about her. She is currently showcasing her own paintings and ceramics at an exhibition in Germany. Corbett credits Picasso with giving her the desire to paint on anything and describes her whole life as being in the arts and very creative [4efaf83c].