Anna Samson

Anna Samson (they/she) is a queer, desi person in their 20s from Canada, living just outside of Toronto. They have a bachelor of arts in English and cultural studies and write about their experiences with disabilities.

They have lived with depression and anxiety since childhood and were formally diagnosed with both in 2013. Anna experiences low mood, a lack of interest and pleasure, overwhelming feelings of guilt and anxiety, irritability, suicidal thoughts, and more. Since diagnosis, they have been taking antidepressants to manage their depression and anxiety.

In 2019, after many years of unexplained symptoms, they were diagnosed with an autoimmune inflammatory arthritis called ankylosing spondylitis and a neurologic disorder called fibromyalgia. These systemic conditions cause chronic pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and brain fog. They are quite stressful to live with and often worsen Anna's depression and anxiety.

Anna lives with some other mental illnesses as well and uses or has used antidepressants, cognitive behavioural therapy, mindfulness, exercise, sleep hygiene, therapy, and surrounding themselves with supportive people to help keep their depression at bay.

Learning of their conditions sparked a long and ongoing journey of navigating the healthcare system and life in general as a young and disabled person.

Their conditions have progressed since their initial diagnosis and they have found solace and understanding in the chronic illness and disabled communities online. They also post about their experiences with chronic illnesses and disabilities on their Instagram page, @disabilitywithanna.

Anna finds comfort in reading, doing yoga, and spending time with their pets. They love to write and hope their writing can advocate and raise awareness for depression and mental health.

Click here to read all of Anna's articles on Depression.mental-health-community.com.