[FairyPoppins]

Those of you who have been on this site for a long time will know that I was diagnosed with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and Clinical Depression a few years ago. I don't feel that I now suffer with either.

I didn't disclose my diagnoses to many people, so I don't believe I suffered any discrimination. Although, to this day, I am convinced that if I had been open about my problems, I would have faced discrimination, especially since I work with children.

I have learnt a wealth of positive things since I became ill. The obvious one being never to take good health for granted, whether it be mental or physical. Also, never assume you understand what someone else is going through - some things are impossible to imagine unless you have actually been affected (e.g. severe OCD). Thirdly, just because someone looks healthy it doesn't mean that they are, mentally or physically - people become very good at concealing their illnesses to avoid the stigma and appear "normal". Lastly, I have learnt that recovery is possible, despite the fact that when you're in the darkest days of your illness, you can't see how you can ever be free.