Beauty Pageant Winner Tells Her Story of Depression to Reduce Stigma for Others

By Good News Network Thursday, September 01, 2011

Health - General

Jennifer Ferris was crowned Ms. New York World International 2011, but throughout her early life, and into her 20's, constant depression made her days unbearable.

"I often felt helpless, hopeless and extremely sad," she wrote in an online article. "No one truly understood just how overwhelmed and very alone I was feeling."

Her personal triumph over depression and constant bullying in school has inspired her to help others to achieve happier, healthier lives despite their challenges.

Ferris became a national spokesperson for the National Alliance on Mental Illness, using her painful battle with depression to raise awareness and reduce the stigma for those suffering.

She also stepped in as the New York Co-Director for Bully Police USA, which is a watchdog organization dedicated to children who are not being heard. The group encourages lawmakers to pass common sense laws, so both bullied children and their parents will have recourse to demand a safe and secure environment within their schools.

"I’m hoping to inspire others to succeed in life despite any obstacles they may encounter and remind them that they’re not alone!"

Jennifer will represent New York at the International Ms. World Pageant scheduled for August 5-10, 2012 in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

(READ her full post at Families for Depression Awareness)

Photo by Tess J Photography