Brazil learns to live life to the fullest with mental illness

Many people are familiar with the Latin phrase Carpe diem, which means “Seize the day.” Younger generations might recognize the similar saying “You only live once,” often shortened to YOLO. Both expressions urge individuals to make the most of their lives.

For one person, living by those words has been a challenge. They have struggled with depression and anxiety since childhood. This made it hard to enjoy life and follow the advice to seize the day. As a result, they missed many important moments with family and friends.

Recently, that person’s mental health has started to improve. They are now making an effort to catch up on lost time and experiences. The goal is to live more fully, despite the ongoing difficulties of mental illness.

Mental health conditions like depression and anxiety affect millions of Americans. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, an estimated 21 million U.S. adults had at least one major depressive episode in 2021. Anxiety disorders affect about 19% of the adult population each year. These conditions can make everyday tasks feel overwhelming and can interfere with relationships, work, and personal fulfillment.

Treatment options include therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes. Many people find that a combination of these approaches helps them manage symptoms. Support from friends and family is also important. The person described in this story credits their recent improvement to a combination of professional help and personal determination.

The journey to better mental health is not always linear. There can be setbacks. But the person remains focused on making up for lost time. They are learning to apply the philosophy of Carpe diem to their own life, one day at a time.