More Than My Mental Illness: A Young Adult's Journey Through ADHD, Anxiety, OCD & Depression

Mental illness does not define a person's identity.In this powerful episode of The Real with Dr. Wendi, Dr. Wendi welcomes Charmie Leza, a neuroscience student at Arizona State University, mental health advocate, Starbucks shift manager, and NAMI presenter, to share her deeply personal journey of living with ADHD, anxiety, OCD, and depression.Charmie opens up about growing up in a culture where mental illness was misunderstood, facing stigma within her family, struggling through high school before receiving an official diagnosis, and learning how therapy, medication, education, and self-advocacy transformed her life.Together, they discuss the difference between mental health and mental illness, why early intervention matters, how parents can better support neurodivergent children, the realities of ADHD, overcoming shame, and why seeking help is one of the strongest decisions anyone can make.Whether you're living with a mental health condition, supporting a loved one, or simply want to understand mental health better, this conversation offers hope, practical insight, and encouragement.⏱️ Chapters00:00 Mental Health vs Mental Illness Explained02:28 Welcome to The Real with Dr. Wendi04:46 Mental Health Statistics Every Parent Should Know06:15 Meet Shami Louisa08:39 Growing Up with Mental Illness and Cultural Stigma11:43 Family Expectations and Living with ADHD15:50 School, Procrastination and Depression19:32 Why ADHD Helped Her Thrive at Work23:34 Understanding the ADHD Brain26:02 Advice for Parents Raising Neurodivergent Children29:14 Common Mental Health Misconceptions32:21 Getting Diagnosed and Asking for Help37:01 Advice for Anyone Afraid to Seek Therapy39:37 Managing Bad Mental Health Days45:15 Coping Beyond Medication47:02 Message to Her Younger Self48:25 NAMI and Ending the Silence52:35 Final ThoughtsWhat You'll Learn What mental health actually means  Mental illness vs mental health  ADHD symptoms in young adults  Living with anxiety and OCD  Depression in college students  Why early diagnosis matters  Therapy and medication realities  Parenting children with ADHD  Breaking cultural stigma  Self-care and emotional resilience  Mental wellness strategies  Mental health advocacy Resources MentionedNational Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)Connect with Dr. WendiFollow for more conversations about:Youth Mental HealthSubstance Use PreventionFamily WellnessEmotional ResilienceCommunity ResourcesRecoveryMental Health EducationSubscribe for more real conversations that create real change.👍 Like💬 Comment📤 Share with someone who needs encouragement today.Let us know how this episode has impacted you