When Dylan first started working with Boston Children’s Theatre, the name Julia kept coming up. “Julia looked after us,” “Julia told me what to wear,” “Julia explained how the auditions work so I’m prepared.” Julia turned out to be the Stage Manager for the Senior Show Choir and a BCT veteran performer, and I was greatly relieved to have her take the younger actors under her wing and make everything a little less scary and intimidating. Now a sophomore at Emerson College (my alma mater),  Julia is a campus representative for Wear Your Label, a Canadian apparel company that makes clothing and jewelry to end the mental health stigma, and uses any opportunity to educate the public:

I am more than my OCD and anxiety and I am more than my struggles. I am a friend, sister, daughter, cousin, student, and advocate.

I am a believer in the power of kindness, the power of goodness, and I am a believer in a better tomorrow.

I have faith in our ability to overcome a bad day, week, month, year. I have faith that we can overcome with the help of those around us.

I trust in the power of education; that if we learn that mental illness is just that, an illness, we will treat those who suffer with the same respect as those who do not. I trust in the power of being an advocate. I trust that I alone can make a difference by spreading the information I know, and showing people that I am more than my mental illness.

I am kind, I am smart, and I am capable of making a difference; I believe OCD and anxiety have only strengthened my drive to make an impact. Wherever my life path takes me, I am confident that my struggles have only made me stronger and given me the power to jump over any hurdles life may throw, even if it means getting a boost from a friend behind me so I can help them over their next hurdle.

I am more than my anxiety and OCD. I am so much more, and I am ready to make a difference.

If you would like to share how you are more than your depression, grief, bipolar disorder, addiction, anxiety, PTSD, eating disorder or OCD please email me at amykerrdraws@gmail.com for a Writing Guide.

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