A Teen with Anxiety, ADHD, OCD, and Depression

Cam is a teenager who is diagnosed with anxiety, ADHD, OCD and depression. He spends a lot of time with existential dread, often contemplating questions like, “What’s the point of life? Is there a God? What am I doing here?” Cam has not found the answer to these questions but is learning through sharing his experience that he is not alone.
Connect with Cam at / cam.s35
Support SBSK at / sbsk
SBSK's Socials:
/ specialbooksbyspecialkids
/ chrisulmer
/ specialbooksbyspecialkids

[@SpecialBooksbySpecialKids]

Cam told me he would love to connect with people through this video. Anybody who would like to be his friend can find his social media account in the description of this video.

[@NickyJohnK219]

You’re such an inspiration

[@abdullahak2204]

Sure I would love to get in touch !

[@cristinfisher2043]

I love too get in touch with him

[@johneckels12]

I do KZbinrs Chris

[@mayuthedemon33]

Love how u help poeple

[@CourtWallace]

I wasn’t diagnosed with Anxiety, ADHD, OCD, and Depression until I was in college. My parents didn’t believe there was anything wrong with me, and neither did my school because I excelled with my grades. It felt good finally understanding what was going on with me and to have someone believe me.

[@arnau7231]

Ah the grade thing hurts... Hope all is well

[@m1r1am]

Same, my parents think everything will solve itself if i turn to god

[@mrybird4044]

How did you get diagnosed, Or where did you start?

[@RhonyHart]

My parents finally came around to accepting my autism diagnosis. It takes time good luck! Sometimes parents dont want to accept they see the traits in themselves

[@donniezawadski2047]

I never got anything from my mom she never shammed me but didn't understand my disability . It was explaining it to her but later in life she realized the harm she did . Still love her very much

[@muyangyan]

He's very articulate and explains his thought process very well

[@abdullahak2204]

Yup exactly what I think

[@chemicalcade640]

Doesn’t seem like he has social anxiety, he’s very articulate and seem very sociable, starting to think he says he has these disorders just to get attention.

[@chadstratton9078]

@@chemicalcade640 having general or social anxiety doesn’t mean you can’t articulate. In my experience, the environment itself is primarily what causes the severity of anxiety. Clearly this channel does a good job of making sure the people they interview are comfortable before the camera rolls.

[@shomerul64]

@@chadstratton9078 i 100% agreed with you sir

[@chronik022]

@@chemicalcade640 people with anxiety tend to worry that their words will be misunderstood so they may try very hard to explain clearly and be extra articulate

[@HappyMan0203]

As someone with social anxiety, ADHD, clinical depression, and an added bonus of autism, I can relate a lot. It can be really debilitating to deal with sometimes, especially since what you go through isn't obvious to those without these issues.

[@madokamagi4eva]

we are literally twins💪 down to every disorder

[@isthataspider7410]

Yesss. Not sure if i have autism or not but i have adhd among others and the sensory issues are absolute insanity. I’m good at masking until i just give up and rock back and forth and groan. Oh well 😅✌🏻

[@ronniebattle1310]

@@isthataspider7410 Encounter Ministries KZbin page. (Mark Hemans)*

[@faneulis266]

social anxiety doesnt exist

[@HappyMan0203]

@Necrofelineosexual333 Nah I'm good. I like staying grounded. By all means though, go try it yourself.

[@LilSk1tty]

I love this channel because it brings light to the topics and the issues us humans face that most people look down upon. I personally have A LOT of anxiety and i also have OCD so this resonates with me. To anyone dealing with anxiety, depression, OCD, ANYTHING, Please know that you are loved and I care for you just as much as the next person. You are special and YOU are meant to be here!

[@grmpEqweer]

😊 such a nice young man.

[@stellarsyd]

🥰

[@tetreb1804]

It's so nice to see that they've returned the comment section. I haven't watched since.

[@jesussavedme6260]

Jesus loves you ❤️

[@sparkstudies1675]

♥️

[@ungracefulgrace02]

this is me!!! i’m 20 and i have had diagnoses of all of these, it’s so reassuring to see Cam talking so openly about it ✨

[@Joseph-ko2go]

@@elifyuksel5684 ?

[@boothsterjuice]

Same! Sending love ✨

[@66ni6k]

exact same for me. this video couldn't have come at a better time.

[@xChiimerax]

I'm 21 and have also had all of these diagnosed (except for OCD, though I have some anxiety related compulsive behaviors). It's nice to be able to have that solidarity and to be able to see yourself represented ❤️

[@ottotater2787]

The internet shows that there are people out there ready to connect we just haven't developed the right circles for regular ongoing socialization of people with similar issues that aren't easily spoken of in the circles of friends made by just general day-to-day overlapping coincidence of location like school and work, neighbors etc. You know the social circles where you don't want to talk about super personal stuff because you can't get away from judgments 'where' you live.

[@buttqueef9900]

clearly an intelligent and thoughtful dude. you aren't alone with your worries and struggles. it was very brave of you to do the interview and speak your truth. You're loved and appreciated, friend. xoxo

[@chantelcuddemi7646]

I'd love to do an interview with you, Chris! I'm totally blind, diagnosed with retinopathy of prematurity, and I also have diagnoses of ptsd, and depression.

[@abdullahak2204]

I have ROP too Hiiii let's get in touch !

[@motcha834]

Wow! That would be such an interesting interview. I hope Chris sees this! Have a great day!

[@chantelcuddemi7646]

@@abdullahak2204 How would like to get in touch? I don't use Facebook that often, and I don't have Instagram, Twitter, or Tictoc.

[@abdullahak2204]

@@motcha834 ikr I don't think Chris has interviewed many people with ROP

[@abdullahak2204]

@@chantelcuddemi7646 oh OK well I don't know either...we can try connecting on face book if u use it less often that's OK

[@harleydwyer544]

I am 22 and I have been diagnosed with all of these as well. They can be incredibly isolating and it's really nice to be reminded that we aren't alone. Thank you for sharing Cam!

[@adawson01192]

You are me! It's insane listening to you perfectly explain my whole life in ways I could never articulate. I thought I was alone in this, but clearly I'm not.

[@DuendeCaughtOnTape]

Me too man, I'm struggling with depression and OCD and am also autistic, it's hard but I am trying my best!

[@AlexTyProsise]

I have OCD, and I live in Orlando, Florida, I would be glad to do a video talk with you guys. Best regards

[@TheLychie]

I live in Jax!! Hello 👋

[@ronniebattle1310]

Encounter Ministries KZbin page. (Mark Hemans)*

[@VeracityMedia]

Listen to the depth of character within this young man. The emotional maturity Cam displays in the face of his mental health challenges is amazing and very inspirational. I appreciate him sharing his story and struggles so very much. It's obvious Cam will overcome any obstacle in his way. He is going places. ~Cheers

[@jessica5497]

I'm 22 years old and I was diagnosed with ADHD only last year, because I don't have a very externalized imperative behavior. I think my anxiety "helped" me mask my ADHD until college, nobody ever thought I could have it, not even my family, just because I got good grades and was quiet, but they never saw me do class activities either or knew what was on my mind, which kind of made the symptoms a "secret" between my self and my Persona (what they saw or think of me) until it exploded. I also have OCD symptoms, mostly obsessive thoughts and some compulsions that get worse or better depending on the season and emotional instability. Sometimes I feel like a fraud, I feel invisible, alone, and videos like this that show someone who shares many of the same "psychological spaces" that I do makes me feel seen and valid and I think a lot of people with different conditions think so too. Thank you all.

[@dedicatedtojupiter]

This helped me so much! I’m 17 and struggle really much with social anxiety. Going to school is hard, getting friends feels impossible. I feel like it’s really ruining my life, almost every social interaction feels terrifying. I also deal with depression and OCD, so this was really helpful. Thank you so much!

[@MidnightSonnet]

I hope you're getting the help you need, hun ❤️

[@ronniebattle1310]

Encounter Ministries KZbin page. (Mark Hemans)*

[@goatfather2966]

I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, PTSD and learning disorder when I was 15. My mother was embarrassed. I couldn't get help, I am 42 now and still struggle. It's hard to afford good help, I have a family to feed. I don't mention my struggles to my kids, it's a lot. Seems like this guy has a great start to early understanding.

[@Santos_12]

Hit up Lambertpills：Depression, anxiety, ptsd, etc. you have to be in the right mindset when taking it and in the right environment.

[@ronniebattle1310]

@@Santos_12 Encounter Ministries KZbin page. (Mark Hemans)*

[@makimakipapura7543]

How long does depression last?

[@trilliant6612]

I'm so happy to hear someone else speak my same thoughts. It's really validating

[@ronniebattle1310]

Encounter Ministries KZbin page. (Mark Hemans)*

[@blukat8897]

I was diagnosed with ocd couple of months ago after years of struggling with obsessions, intrusive thoughts and depression and now I finally know why. I can relate to lot of these things in this video. I literally love this channel!

[@ronniebattle1310]

Encounter Ministries KZbin page. (Mark Hemans)*

[@kamilee4123]

It’s really nice to hear from someone who had a similar breakdown of beliefs and extreme existential crisis in the late tween/early teen years. I was a little younger, around 12, when that started happening but very close. I think the big difference is that mine was more of a “is reality even real” thing, which, you know, super fun for a hormonal 7th grader experiencing the fracturing of one of her oldest friendships at the same time to go through. I also came to a very different conclusion, and have stuck with my Christianity. But it is good to hear I’m not alone in having an existential crisis from mental problems since most people I know seem to have had different sources of mental health/emotional issues in their teen years.

[@kristinialyons5230]

This really got me with this interview too. My crises started in my twenties and is still raging off and on with unresolved questions etc. I was diagnosed with bipolar and while I guess I could blame it on that, I have honest questions, so I'm not going too. I feel like the depression and anxiety and rampant disappointments in my life brought out the honesty with that stuff

[@LunarWind99]

I went through the same thing but landed on Wicca ! 😊🙏

[@isthataspider7410]

@@kristinialyons5230 Twenties? Bless your soul, it happened to me in my mid/late teens. Religious ocd followed by depression followed by healing and then BOOM pandemic. Rinse and repeat but without the religious aspect.

[@mattyy101]

@@isthataspider7410 late teens? Bless your tits.. I have been diehard atheist since I developed critical thinking at eleven.. my brain shuts off all posibilities of unrealistic crap.

[@sharonadams9546]

I have been diagnosed with the same things also. I am a Christian and my faith in God has gotten me through it. I cannot imagine going through it as teenager. Faith doesn't make things easy, but it makes healing possible. I'm praying for healing for him and that he will renew his faith in God 🙏

[@jeremiahallyn4603]

Cam, you're a really articulate and mature young man. I also have bad anxiety and used to have severe depression. I know how much they can rule your life and how they make you feel. Seems like you've got a good head on your shoulders and I bet youre gonna do some really good things in life ✌💯

[@ronniebattle1310]

Encounter Ministries KZbin page. (Mark Hemans)*

[@madiarabella2589]

When he said “there’s no worse feeling than being alone in something.” It hit me. I’ve tried so hard to get those exact words out of my mouth for so long but my adhd makes it extremely hard for me to put thought into words or into full sentences. I have always felt that way with my emotions. I always said they hit me harder than most people would ever know or relate too. And it’s so hard to relay that to others. This guy is my mental twin

[@andrewrosales9972]

I can relate to you relating to this, I have a lot of trouble with trying to express how I feel, through words at least, been struggling with it for years, I hope I figure it out eventually.

[@jarry1595]

Cam, I’m just blown away. You’ve given so many of us a voice today. Of course we can exist on our own and we do live our lives just like you of course. But this- this just feels like a great brain summary to send to friends and fam

[@shadowcat6832]

I’m so different from Cam, and yet I relate to him so much…I don’t have all the same stuff as him (I don’t have OCD but I’m autistic) but I understand his situation so well, this interview was so good

[@TheHamishX]

Same here! I'm autistic with depression and anxiety. he words things so well I feel like I have a better understanding of his situation.

[@turnleftaticeland]

I’m autistic with all the same diagnoses as Cam. He pretty much summed up the autistic experience in this video, especially if you grow up undiagnosed.

[@NeuroSeasoned]

Seems to me that Cam would benefit from an autism evaluation

[@ronniebattle1310]

@@TheHamishX Encounter Ministries KZbin page. (Mark Hemans)*

[@Hornet24]

What a friendly young man!!!

[@UniQueLyEviL]

What a sweet, thoughtful guy. We need more folks like him..

[@Sashi_Mugiwara]

Cam, you are such a great person. As a Christian, I really related to the constant thoughts about life. Just know, we all love you, and we all can’t wait to see the wonderful things youll do in the future. God bless you my friend🙏

[@WayneTwitch]

Not a big religious person but i do much reading and God put us on earth as punishment

[@Sashi_Mugiwara]

@@WayneTwitch I promise he didn’t. God loves you and I love you too. I hope you have a great day / night

[@abdullahak2204]

Cam you are so well spoken and it is great you shared your story! As you said you are not alone and therr are so many people to support you in the SBSK community! Mental health is really important and more people should understand that!

[@bubl7]

Man the energy, compassion, understanding and love you give each person you share their story of on this channel is simply put amazing to watch and gives a lot to reflect on

[@dtdevore]

I can relate to so much of what you shared. I'm 39 and just started treatment for depression and anxiety a year ago. I can absolutely say it gets better. I'm so glad I held on long enough to experience that. Thank you for sharing! You are never alone in how you feel!

[@andrewrosales9972]

Keep going brother, the positive attitude is awesome! 👍

[@joannaholmes3679]

What a guy I wish him all the luck in the world 🌎 I too have many mental health problems, CPTSD,traits of border line personality disorder, anxiety and depression and its tuff every day is a battle in my head and watching this helps to know that I'm not alone and I'm not abnormal Thank you SBSK

[@katrina59960]

What a cool interview. Those deep questions, even though they’ve caused pain, seem to lead us all to what makes sense and help find what our own truth is. Loved this. Thank you Cam!

[@ronniebattle1310]

Encounter Ministries KZbin page. (Mark Hemans)*

[@jarry1595]

I’ve never felt more understood than now from this video. You are insanely well spoken and are incredibly aware of yourself and how you operate. You’ve given me another voice I can show friends and family to better understand me. Thankyou so much. You and this channel routinely improve my life and I just can’t stress enough how much I appreciate it all and especially this video. I feel representation in a way

[@rosegarza4887]

Thank you for sharing this with me because I do have a son who is ADHD and he’s about to graduate next year and leave for college this is definitely helping me to understand and feel good about him leaving for college

[@mandi3903]

Great interview! Can’t help but share my experience. I had these same diagnoses in the past. It took me quite a few doctors until one realized that these same diagnoses were a flag for ASD. I was diagnosed Autism Level 1 and everything really started to make more sense. Totally not trying to be a back seat doctor here, I just know that it helped me way more to realize all of these issues I had were simply just Autism. It made me feel less “messed up”. I was able to stop blaming myself.

[@turnleftaticeland]

Seconded. It’s the most relieving thing in the world to realize that you actually ARE different.

[@mandi3903]

@@turnleftaticeland couldn’t have said it better myself. I’ve finally learned to give myself some grace.

[@uuesgirl]

I was thinking the exact same thing. These are very much autistic traits. Not saying he IS autistic, but there is a high comorbidity between these diagnoses and autism. The hair flipping is likely a stim.

[@caramccann9058]

I just started the video, but as someone diagnosed with autism too, a lot of my traits mimic some symptoms of OCD & triggers extreme anxiety, particularly in public spaces. I don’t think a lot of people realize this!

[@dollyandsandy]

Interesting. I also have all of these diagnoses as well as the autism spectrum disorder one. They can definitely go together. I have PTSD and a dissociative disorder, too, but I think I've read that folks on the spectrum can be more likely to have a stronger response to trauma than some others, although don't quote me on that.

[@brennarobe9396]

I love love love love love this person! I have ocd and anxiety and went to deeply harmful religious schools! The ideas of hell and god’s wrath are extremely disturbing especially to someone who is a deep thinker & empathetic like I can tell he is! This is a very fascinating and important sbsk! 💙

[@ronniebattle1310]

@@r....7850 Encounter Ministries KZbin page. (Mark Hemans)*

[@heroesluver716]

Yes!!!

[@Rose-xe7ds]

@@blehhhh That’s actually a heresy Christians do not believe, it’s a condemned belief that many Protestants hold to because they reject everything about Christianity except past the 1500’s when the reformers decided they wanted to disregard everything prior to it

[@carolinacaraciki9305]

I feel you, Cam! You're not alone! This channel is such a bless for the world! Thanks for everything!

[@kotyashkotyash873]

This person has unbelievable eyes, full of pure kindness and warmth, I'm stunned with it...

[@hoshimochi5702]

It's so amazing how closely I relate to his story. He has such a beautiful heart.

[@ReidTheNintendoPainter]

Cam seems like a really fun person to be around. I always love these videos!

[@MkYolo7]

I love this channel, I’ve been watching for years and I’ve learned so much through every video. This is the first one I’ve ever watched that I relate to every single thing he said. Im truly flabbergasted. From growing up in religion and having so many of the same experiences and questions, I don’t feel so alone anymore. I have the same diagnoses and at 23 have never heard anyone with a story so similar to mine, thank you so much for this.

[@Neon-jn3sp]

It's disturbing how much I see myself in Cam. I'm 23 and just got diagnosed with depression, Anxiety, and ADHD. I believe I have OCD as well because my mother and sisters all have OCD. I have yet to even look for a diagnosis for OCD. I've been extremely philosophical since I turned 18 and often pondered similar questions to him. I felt that by convincing myself that life is ultimately meaningless, I could live guilt-free no matter how much I neglect friends, family, and myself. I knew for a while now that there was something not quite right with my psyche. I've been on medication for about 3 months now and won't dare tell my loved ones that I take it simply because my family has fully bought into the stigmatization of ADHD medication. I fear my family will find out and that I will suffer from the eyes of their judgement. Fortunately, I am starting to feel better. Less anxiety, more ability to focus, and best of all, I can convince myself to take care of myself. If you are contemplating getting treatment, DO IT. I've never felt excited about my future until now. TL;DR - Take care of yourself and get treatment if you find it necessary. Do NOT buy into stigmatizations. THINK FOR YOURSELVES!

[@courtneyr214]

Wow Cam, thank you so much for sharing your complex feelings and emotions. It’s so important to open up about these kinds of topics. So many people will be able to relate and benefit from your perspective. Also can I say, you are such an intelligent and well spoken young man. I appreciate you sharing yourself with this channel.

[@icare6076]

What an incredibly self-aware and authentic young man. There is tremendous strength in his ability to be honest and vulnerable in sharing his experience of life. This touched my heart. Thank you both.

[@sam.alva.]

His vulnerability and honesty is so comforting and helpful for those of us struggling with similar issues.

[@lindapowers8592]

You seem to be doing an awesome job managing it all. You are helping others by sharing. Thank you 😊

[@emic138]

The way that Chris is able to truly relate to people of all ages, diagnoses, backgrounds, and cultures is really remarkable. He is phenomenal at speaking with people and really drawing out their stories by putting them at ease. The world is extremely fortunate that he found his gift and is using it to share all these individuals’ experiences with us.

[@lakeisharhyant2045]

I love this Chanel. I support people with disabilities and enjoy it. The interviewer the way he asks questions and talks to these individuals is amazing. You can tell he has so much compassion compassion very sincere. He defiantly does this with love.

[@charleslafontaine6213]

Cam, thanks for sharing your story. I can imagine this took a lot for you to express and it is great to see someone I can relate to with my own struggles. This helped me a lot to watch.

[@cloudykat04]

i’m a teen with autism, adhd, anxiety, ptsd, and ocd. it can be so hard to live with so many things but i promise you’re not alone :) 💖

[@joyyerrick1415]

This is such a rich interview. It was really great hearing from camp. I am going through almost the exact same thing. His thoughts have been my thoughts. I was in tears by the end of the interview because he talks about feeling lonely and it was the first time that I've seen someone who has shared the same thoughts I have and by the way that he shared it I could tell he has been where I've been. Thank you for sharing this interview.

[@andrewrosales9972]

Whatever you are going through, I know you can handle, even just typing a few of your thoughts, helps millions, so you got this. ✊

[@jociecovington1286]

I am so glad he did this video! I am a 49 year old diagnosed with severe major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder and I have had them most of my life. I too always use to be obsessed about existential issues at the age 10-17. Due to not having answers to that type of question made my depression worse. I have had ECT'S and they changed my life. I am now an RN at a psychiatric hospital. I love to give back and care for others with mental issues.

[@mrkind13]

Never stop doing what you love! I love you and your videos. One Love man. Thanks for putting up these videos.

[@MineCraftUnknownVoid]

I have dealt with a lot of similar issues and discovered mine were caused by sleep disorders and a food allergy, hoping Cam finds what can help him live a fulfilled life!

[@theeggbreadguy3799]

I also have social anxiety and keeping eye contact is incredibly difficult

[@amayamaulino4656]

Wow, this was such a comforting account about mental health and how it affects your daily life. This video hit close to home and I really appreciate Cam's openness. I've never heard of someone else dealing with the same issues on religion/worldviews that I've dealt with my anxiety, and it was really validating to hear. Being the same age as Cam just made everything so much more relatable with navigating social media and college. Thanks so much!

[@rawtomic]

He’s really well articulated, hope he can somehow manage his anxieties and running thoughts. Life is very strange and overwhelming, stay strong cam!

[@rsviews2167]

I'm sure there are many more suitable dimensions than this one, for all of our unspoken needs to shine. This world is so busy craving profit that many of these very sensitive and intelligent people feel left behind. Get your hearts and brains together and start addressing these blackholes that divide the human soul. We need people like you to upgrade our old perspectives. To me, you are not sick or weak, just born for something better. Your secrets can save lives. Keep hope and be proud. You are all very precious. Love.

[@narfinarf5920]

It is so hard to know there's so many people like us and a lot are still hiding, I'm still hiding! It's overwhelming but he puts the thoughts into words so well. I want to be more like him, his self awareness and his ability to keep you so drawn in, his sincerity is the key. What an incredible human being

[@eh4372]

Found this channel in recommended for some reason, I don’t know why but it’s such a beautiful thing. you are incredible with everyone you speak with and all the stories Iv seen, they are all so beautiful and inspiring beyond belief. great stuff. But I might add so much of this channel brings me to tears. Beautiful people over coming such adversities is hard to watch at times.

[@karenthompson4596]

What you are sharing is helping someone who maybe feeling alone with this knowing that they are not. Thank you 💓

[@yesterdaydream]

200% relatable; I've lived so much of this. It's challenging living with a deeply self-aware brain that's always on. But I've grown to like myself and my brain, and I like yours too!

[@johntirado-glover3574]

As a person who has lived with severe Anxiety most of my life, I really appreciate his rawness, and honesty. It can be very crippling, but you're certainly not alone. There are programs & people that are willing to help. You have to be willing to reach out. I'm retired & happily married. Do not shy away from your Mental health issues, but do not let them define you.

[@TheCoconutftw]

What a courageous young man! Thank you so much for your courage of being vulnerable on camera and sharing your insecurities and flaws to the whole world. The more we talk about mental health issues, the more we normalise and embrace it, the closer we are in removing the stigma. Thank you very much.

[@margonmustang2878]

You should be so proud of yourself for being brave enough to open up and share what you're going thru. I struggle too and millions of others do too so you truly aren't alone. You are so smart, well educated and articulate. You are so much more than your disorder. I hope you get really good treatment in the future. Treatment has helped me so much and it has come so far in my lifetime, I have lot of hope for advances in treatment in your lifetime ❤️

[@wolfer3257]

I have It all too...I Hope he Knows he's a strong human 💪

[@melindajohnson9726]

Aww, sweet interview. I'm 40, and have had inattentive ADHD, and overall/mild anxiety/depression for a good part of my life, but wasn't diagnosed with most of it until the last few years. I had to just learn to cope or have felt inferior to others, like, ""what's wrong with me? why can't I socialize like others? why did I say and act like that?" Oh, and yes, social anxiety. So I totally get Cam's issues and I'm so glad he's been diagnosed at a young age and has gotten help. He sounds like a very intelligent young man, like a lot of people with these issues are. That's one of the things we tend to hyperfocus on. We feel so dumb and stupid for how our problems hinder us. We see how life should work and then get mad at ourselves for when we can't get ourselves to work normally in society. And we don't want people to think we need accommodations either so we don't often ask for help. We just want to be normal. One of the best ways I've found for others to help me is to just respect it when I say, "No, I can't do that today." and not press for a particular reason why. I don't want to have to always explain myself. If I've had enough of a situation, even if it's a pleasant one, I let my husband know I'm going to take a walk or sit in the car, etc. I also try to focus on the positives. ADHD people have a lot going for them! They are problem solvers! They observe lots of things that others don't. Those with anxiety can be planners. They can look to the future and prepare for it. I prefer to be behind a screen, so I help others and encourage others that also like to be behind a screen, while other friends are doing a similar job out there meeting the other extroverts and talking with them. I volunteer with a non profit organization so we all have parts to play. Cam, you are doing so well! Keep up the great work in college and finish well! Continue your therapies and learn those coping mechanisms. There will be plenty of bad days still, but it will only make you more thankful for those good days. Thank you for sharing your story!

[@thomaslynch9858]

Cam, I have anxiety and depression myself. Thank you for raising awareness. There are many more of us out there. You (and we) are not alone!

[@NS-lj1ny]

What a brave and intelligent young man. By sharing his story he helping other young people who may be facing these same challenges. I wish him all the best, I am sure he has a very bright future ahead of him!

[@kga987]

You know, as much as Cam's conditions are painful to him, his compassion, deep concern for the world and his search for meaning in life strike me as what the world needs more of. I hope he finds strength in all these comments from strangers who support and admire him for who he is (If you're reading these, Cam! :) ). I wonder if he's heard of the Baha'i Faith which sheds a unique light on so many of these questions about religion. Even if his big questions are never answered, I admire him for dealing with them for so many years and not giving up on himself.

[@saxybaby4486]

Fun fact about ADHD. Most women are diagnosed after 30. Males tend to have a more outward presentation and over report their symptoms, as well as the diagnostic and research being more leaning towards the male experience of ADHD. Thank you for sharing. ADHD is one of the most well documented and studied mental disorder, and yet we still struggle with meeting the small basics that we need.

[@davidhorwood6741]

What a bright, articulate young man. I wish you all the best in your life endeavours and congratulate you on your bravery in speaking on these topics, it will help many.

[@SuperMissblueeyes]

Cam, thank you so much for courageously sharing your story. As someone who has had OCD, depression & anxiety in the past, the latter of which occasionally rears its ugly head for me, I get what it's like to be stuck in your head & the frustration it can cause. And when you don't know if someone gets it, it's really difficult to reach out & talk to people. But you're doing really well. I'm glad you're in college now. Part of the purpose of your chosen career is to enjoy what you do & another purpose of doing it is that you can make a difference in the world through your chosen career. You don't mention what you're studying, but I'm sure you do well. I wish you all the best for your future.

[@Mr123tubbs]

I wish I could have a conversation with this guy; I can relate to the things he's saying, and it resonates with me in certain aspects in my life. I wish him well.

[@soula204]

You actually seem like a good and strong (mentally) guy. I can surely understand much of your thoughts, their nature and how much they affect your personal relationships, your life in general. But it seems to me that you're strong and capable of battling those things,and eventually be happy. Keep going!

[@r.d.whitaker5787]

Thank you so much for sharing. I appreciate your open and vulnerable attitude. The more we talk about our lives,the more we will understand each other.

[@mikeyflaherty4616]

SBSK inspires confidence!! Thank you Chris !!

[@jameslewisii5403]

This young man is going through exactly what I went through. Anxiety and depression are very difficult to go through, not to mention the hyper religiosity he was raised in. He has such a positive drive and attitude, he is an inspiration to us all.

[@caitlynwhitfield791]

I relate to this so so so much, so helpful and makes me feel like I am not alone ❤

[@sabbapixie]

so much hope in that interview! Thank you!

[@VomitPalace]

This was a wonderful interview. Thank you both!

[@foxemartin]

I know 12 years of Catholic school did a number on me... My belief started degrading around that same age, so I feel you on all those questions. It honestly still pops up on me sometimes. Studying anthropology and recognizing ethno/Eurocentrism at play brought me a lot of clarity in so many areas of my life. Rock on, Cam.

[@meez5412]

i relate to this dude so much, i feel sorry that he had to go through all this stuff and I'm sure his parents caused lots of this.

[@AnnieNugget]

well he said himself in the beginning his home environment wasn't too religious. It was his school environment. And youths spend most of their lives at school. But yea, who knows if his parents were extremely strict or mean or whatever. (I'm replying to your comment only halfway through the video).

[@victoriaa.993]

Blaming the parents without having enough information adds to the stigma. All of these conditions can be genetic. It is likely a variety of factors that led to his conditions. He says his parents told him he was a good person, and I'm inclined to believe him.

[@meez5412]

@@victoriaa.993 i know there's a stigma but the genetic cases are not that common. I think people should question their childhood more

[@AnnieNugget]

@@meez5412 i agree. my homelife heavily contributed to, and still contributes, to my issues. Parents think they're so great just because they pay the bills. Being good parents is so much more than that.

[@colesmith7509]

As Cam’s brother, I can confidently say that our parents are amazing human beings and their actions have not caused any of this. It’s genetic and the religious schools did not help

[@claspring]

Thanks for touching on the intersections of mental health and caring about 'the world'- I have to be really careful with this, because feeling empathy and compassion and a desire to act around inequality, environment, war etc, can become debilitating; we're best able to have good conversations and be genuinely helpful activists when we have a handle on our mental health- I love that more and more social movements are making space for discussions of wellbeing and mental health so that we can support each other and run on active hope rather than despair! Your compassion shines through Cam: it's a great quality

[@KennediFord]

He’s so awesome you would never know his struggles. I hate how some mental disorders can debilitate such a perfectly imperfect human being who deserves to live his best life! I have high hopes for Cam ❤️

[@MidnightSonnet]

I love Cam. He's so intelligent, articulate, and empathic. I relate to him on many levels, aside from OCD and ADHD, though I'm thinking I might have ocd. I'll bring it up to my therapist. I wish I could sit down with Cam and talk for hours. I feel like he just needs to find his tribe. Just a group of people who can relate and won't judge him. I'll check out his social media. :)

[@newchapterasmr]

He expresses himself so well in this interview situation for someone with social anxiety. I suffer from it too and I don’t think I could do so well

[@andrewrosales9972]

Totally agree, never in a million years could I do this, so props to him for going through with it.

[@bohobritt8545]

This young man seems like such a sweet soul! I can relate to just feeling awkward, but I think that he's so lovely. I feel like we are all different...and that is definitely okay. 💗

[@seltzermint5]

Cam seems SO articulate and intelligent as well as thoughtful.

[@Bunnyprinccess]

I have anxiety and social anxiety too so I relate so much to this! Thank you guys for spreading awareness of this! You guys are the best!🥺🥰❤️

[@andrewrosales9972]

Anxiety sucks, but you got this. 👍

[@bfran2283]

well, this video was a welcome surprise. i'm also a nineteen year-old college student struggling with all of those diagnoses. i totally relate to everything cam said. it can feel like you have to work five times as hard as other people just to function at a basic level. people also don't grasp just how severe and disabling some of these things can be unless they've seen it for themselves. ocd especially, i think-in its more extreme forms, it's a living hell, controlling your every waking thought and dictating your entire life, yet so many still think ocd = someone who likes to clean. cam, i hope you read these comments and take comfort in knowing there are other people like you. i know it can seem like you're the only one in the world who feels the way you do; i feel like that most of the time even though i logically know it isn't true. but you're not alone! there are dozens of us in this comments section alone! keep putting one foot in front of the other

[@michaelshannon9169]

This is one of the more profound episodes you've had. It highlights a mind that cant be moulded nor shaped and the dire consequences it can have. Ppl en masse tend to be predispositionally conforming and adherent resulting in a kind of auto-pilot mode of living and behaving. The guest however is showing us that without that type of foundation, the paradigm given to us by our parents, belief systems and societal expectations, we can find ourselves in a constant state of panic and terror due to lack of meaningful identification with the reality we exist in. So glad you highlighted this to your viewers as it can make ppl who feel this way feel a lot less lonely.

[@olimitation5466]

Thankyou for sharing this video, hope he continues discovering new ways of coping and accepting what hes going through with his mental health, he seems to have a very inquiring and intuitive mind

[@flophae2474]

Wowwww. I've never seen someone talk about the things they're going through and I could relate so much. I have generalized anxiety and ocd. And I think a lot of people think it's just easy to deal with or they really do think it's not a big deal just like he said. But it's not. Especially for me, I will have an anxious thought and I never know which one my ocd will latch on to, but suddenly I've been on the same train for thought for weeks. And sometimes it's so sudden and so urgent that if I don't do what my brain is telling me to do, I will literally just have to scream and scream from how much I hate not being able to basically quench that idea. And also the part of you're just constantly thinking. There's no point in time when you're not thinking, thinking about life, thinking about why other people suffer, thinking why I suffer, why do bad things happen to good people. I've had days where Im at work, pretending everything is normal. But I can't actually get my work done because my brain just won't stop thinking about anything. I can't shut it off. Also the bit about not being to speak it out which leads to rumination is so incredibly relateable. That was one of the things I felt I was so alone in. It feels like there's too much going on in my brain and I need to pop open a window to let some of it out. But that's not always an option. I wish nothing but the best for you cam. You're not alone as much as I know that anxiety tells you otherwise.

[@user-ok1xq5qm9t]

This guy is so cool. I really like his energy.

[@purelybroderick]

I just wanna hug you! I’m in a rough space right now, going through some of the same things you’re going through! When you spoke, it was like you were saying the things I don’t know how to articulate properly. Thank you for your bravery, and I hope we heal! ❤️

[@oceanasmr7397]

This makes me so happy because I used to have depression, I have severe GAD, severe OCD, and a little bit of ADHD, so this is very relatable. I love your content keep up the amazing work. ❤

[@solmulla]

What an amazing person. That last thing he said: "Don't remember me, remember the things I said." This guy has a good future ahead of him I'm sure.

[@Olivia.longname]

Intelligence is a double edged sword. Wishing you all the best and hope you find purpose and peace in your gifts.

[@Brain42637]

I really appreciate Cam for doing this video. It has helped me feel better about what diagnoses I have and how I present myself. Thanks Cam!

[@lisah5750]

I really appreciate this guy, he seems really smart and self aware, I hope he moves forward in life learning to fully cope with his mental health

[@andrewrosales9972]

He's able to describe how his mental illness impacts him, if only I could do the same, I have a lot of trouble expressing how I feel, well with words I mean, but this video has been helping me a lot.

[@Jessica-kw4qx]

Love you always! ❤️