Sydnee recently had the opportunity to speak to Giant’s Network about mental health! Read her speech below!
Hi my name is Sydnee Floyd and I am from Nashville Tennessee. When most hear about Nashville, they think lights, country music, or just music in general. You go downtown, and you see murals based on culture, history, and just abstract art. You see Broadway which is all about dancing the night away and enjoying time with those you are closest too. I never thought I would feel at home in a big city, because after all, I am a small town girl. However, Nashville can be home for everyone, from the booming city to the small town outskirts, There is a sense of community around, when you enter Nashville. No matter where you are from, if you smile, laugh, and find joy in the little things. Nashville is the place for you. It does not matter who you are, where you are from, or what you want in your life. Your heart matters the most in Nashville. We care, we want to see you succeed no matter what you do.
However, today I wanted to mention a world movement that is important to me and relevant to a lot of young adults my age, and that is Mental Health. In ages 10-19 Depression is one of the leading illnesses and half of those cases go untreated. I was recently diagnosed with depression and anxiety, I was fortunate enough to get help from my school counselor and start to talk about issues that I had buried for years. Because I am getting help, and because I hid behind my pain for years scared of someone judging me or someone using that against me, I want to make sure that no one feels alone. It is time to break the stigma surrounding mental health. We all deserve happiness and love. As you can see my zoom background says, every rainbow is different yet they are all beautiful.” Think of yourself as a rainbow, unique, creative, loving, and beautiful Let’s work on this together!