# @kansasstateuniversity on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/CE9VCCwpZZA
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/4534041-kansasstateuniversity-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/510dc31c17.jpg
- **Posted:** 2020-09-10T13:48:30.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Kansas State University (@kansasstateuniversity) — https://gondola.cc/kansasstateuniversity

## Caption

Hi everyone! My name is Katherine Benhardt and I am a junior attending #KState and I am super excitedly be doing a #studenttskeover for the ksu_wellcat organization today to talk about mental health! Follow the kansasstateuniversity & ksu_wellcat accounts to follow along today! #endthestigma

Below is some of my mental health story ⬇️

I have depression and anxiety and I have battled with suicidal ideation three times specifically in the past.

Depression and anxiety look different for everyone. For me, I can become very irritable and often lose / lack interest in most activities that I take part in. My anxiety creates a lot of nervousness surrounding all of my decisions and thoughts and I often have trouble concentrating, sleeping, and experience night terrors often.
 
Living with this can be very challenging because I am an achiever and I am very involved in numerous different jobs and activities and when my depression and anxiety hits, it can be very crippling. I often feel hopeless, sad, and lack energy. I am constantly working through and processing past abuse and trauma that I have suppressed for years, so each day looks completely different for me. 
 
What helps me, is being open and vulnerable with others. Over the past year and after battling with suicidal ideation, I realized that I can not handle this alone and no one should have to. I have recently made a podcast that is all about talking about mental health and well-being and how I work through my struggles. Opening up has helped me feel better known by my peers, while also creating great dialogue with other people who are dealing with the same struggles as me.
 
There is a huge stigma around mental health and well-being.  A lot of us struggle with depression, anxiety and or suicidal ideation in some form or another, just no one talks about it. I am really passionate about #endingthestigma because it truly pains me the thought of someone struggling the way I have or do and suffering in silence, feeling that they are all alone in their struggles. Talking & being vulnerable allows us all the opportunity to connect and work through scary and unknown thoughts or emotions. It is okay to not be okay.

## Stats

- **Views:** 0
- **Likes:** 1,302
- **Shares:** 0
- **Comments:** 45

## Tags

endingthestigma, studenttskeover, kstate, endthestigma

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