A healthy life is important because of many reasons. First and foremost living a healthy lifestyle allows the individual to feel better in their own skin while feeling better about their appearance. While a psychological approach is not the most important variable it carries weight with each individual. Actively participating in a healthy life prevents most individuals from developing irreversible chronic diseases that cause much pain. Obesity is the number one cause for illnesses such as type two diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol. These illnesses effect a persons entire life. As a nursing student, I have learned that the health of my body is extremely important. I often take many breaks to get a quick run or swim in to maintain the health of my body. I want to prevent obesity so that I do not end up with chronic illnesses. I know that eating a well balanced diet also provides my body with the proper nourishment to allow me to be successful. Lastly, obesity is a pandemic that affects all races and age groups. Obesity is fortunately preventable, however our lifestyle is a contributing factor. We must change our own habits to live a long and happy life. I want to live a long happy life.

My name is Jenna Roush and I have struggled with depression since I was 10 years old. As a child, I endured sexual , physical, and mental abuse. By the age 11 I had already attempted to kill myself twice. The truth is my depression has affected my life in every aspect. The only escape I had was to go to school. School became my coping mechanism which had led me down a path of choosing a career in psychiatric nursing. My depression has affected my beliefs negatively because their is a chemical imbalance in my brain. I’m instinctively negative not by my own choice, but by the thoughts of my depression. Many days I feel as if no one truly loves me and I’d be better off alone. These negative self inflicted thoughts have pushed me into withdrawal periods. There have also been times when I have cried all day everyday consecutively for months. Depression has truly negatively impacted my way of thinking. Depression has drastically reduced relationships in my past. The raving thoughts in my mind pushed me away from all of my friends and maintaining significant others was a very difficult task. It was a vicious cycle because having no friendships was also heartbreaking. I felt alone even when I wasn’t and I hid away in my room most days. Many days I’d be irritable for no reason. Depression makes it difficult for people to be around you because of unpredictable mood swings. However, my depression inspired me to get proper help and medication. I want to pursue a doctorate degree in psychiatric nursing and one day be apart of the greater cause in mental health. The underlying truth is that most people are ashamed of their mental health, but I want to assure my patients that their feelings are not abnormal. Every patient deserves to feel loved and happy. I want to inspire patients to manage and cope with their mental illnesses and accept who they are.