Help Sabrina raise money

Allow me to introduce myself; my name is Sabrina Augustine, and I'd like to share my journey of battling mental health issues. At the age of 16, I grappled with the debilitating symptoms of depression and anxiety. I constantly felt drained, lacked the energy to get out of bed, and battled severe body image issues, which eventually led to the development of an eating disorder. I found myself trapped in a vicious cycle.

Outwardly, I seemed to have it all together - making the honour roll, actively participating in school and rep volleyball, and volunteering weekly at a nursing home. However, internally, I was struggling immensely. 

Growing up in the south asian culture, mental health was often considered a taboo subject. I was afraid to confide in anyone about my struggles, which resulted in bottling up my emotions. I prioritized school and other commitments over my mental health, tragically leading to a decline in my physical well-being.

Two years ago, I experienced a significant health scare when I was hospitalized for a week due to seizures. After extensive testing and various medications, I was diagnosed with stress-induced seizures. Along with this, I received clinical diagnoses of depression, anxiety, and binge-eating disorder. The neglect of my mental health had taken a severe toll, leading to over 10 seizures a day.

That summer was one of the most challenging periods of my life. Despite being on antidepressants, I found myself unable to get out of bed most days and barely eating. I felt as though I had hit rock bottom and made several attempts on my life. On September 1, 2022, I took the courageous step of admitting myself to CAMH to seek help and improve my well-being. I was subsequently transferred to the Mount Sinai psychiatric ward, where I underwent a week of treatment, received different medications, and embarked on a journey toward self-love.

I wouldn't have made it this far without my incredible support system - my family, friends, and especially my boyfriend, Nimesh. Although we weren't dating at the time, he was there for me every day, taking a week off work to support me during my stay at Mount Sinai. The road to self-love and recovery isn't linear, and it comes with its share of good and bad days. However, I've learned to take it one day at a time, always remembering that there's light at the end of the tunnel.

Once again, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks for your generous donations. Your support means the world to me, and I cannot express how grateful I am.

Love,

Sabrina Augustine