Adrian junior determined to beat her depression

There are some days when Aimee Lewis can fly.

Her brown hair struggles to catch up to her body curving to each bend on a skateboard that she taught herself to ride.
Look even closer at the Adrian junior and you will see the silver lip ring and tattoos.

They aren’t just a fashion statement, but signs of a story to be told.

After battling through multiple episodes of depression earlier this year, Lewis is often ready to discuss her struggles so others can be helped. There are other times when she needs more courage just to speak.

“What I went through is incredibly tough,” Lewis said.

Her beginning

In high school, Lewis often felt depressed, but did not know what the symptoms were.

As a freshman in college, the physical symptoms of losing weight, sleep and her interest in activities forced her to realize what was going on.

Adrian junior Aimee Lewis displays her tattoo Thursday near Charles V. Park Library. The art reads “Courage” on the inside of her wrist and “Wisdom” on the back, connected by a green vine to represent growth. “When I looked at my arm (before this tattoo), there were only negative things to see; I wanted to look at something positive. The scars remind me how I messed up; the tattoo reminds me how hard I have fought and all that I have been through,” Lewis said. (Libby March/Staff Photographer)

“Depression was really hard to bounce back from,” Lewis said. “It took a lot out of me and changed my perspective on life a lot.”

After realizing she needed help, Lewis started seeking treatment in October 2008. One of the hardest things with her depression was not knowing the cause, she said.

Sometimes, she contributes the depression to genetics and stress.

After realizing she needed hospitalization, she was checked into a mental hospital for six days in March and April.

“I was thinking straitjackets and, in reality, there are people there in sweat pants and T-shirts,” she said. “Everyone is supportive of each other. I don’t have to pretend.”

Lewis did not tell her parents until the last couple days there.

“(My parents) were terrified and upset, naturally. After they talked to me, it turned out to be really good for my family,” she said.

Through the process, Lewis missed school because of stress and not being able to concentrate.

Knowledge gained

Inside the hospital, Lewis felt a sense of community.

“Every time I was in there, I met beautiful people. You are not divided by class or race or anything like that, because you are in the hospital together. Everybody is rooting for each other,” Lewis said.

At the time of her depression, Lewis did not know anyone who was hospitalized.

“I thought I was absolutely crazy because no one talked about this and, if I can help someone, that would be awesome,” she said.

Lewis is passionate about social justice and writing. With a major in English and minor in religion, Lewis plans on becoming a creative writing teacher.

Her passion for writing and determination to talk about what she went through makes her unique, Lewis said.

Lewis’ mother, Cathie Bachman, said her daughter has grown from her experiences and is a stronger person.

“She has inspired me with her determination to fight her depression and with her willingness to share her story,” Bachman said.

Advocacy through writing

Lewis started sharing her experience by writing her message on her body.

On her left wrist is a self-inflicted scar she once was ashamed of, often hiding it with bracelets. A few weeks ago, Lewis decided to get tattoos of the words “courage” and “wisdom,” along with a green vine representing growth that circles her wrist.

As of now, Lewis still deals with depression. She took up skateboarding after getting out of the hospital.

“Sometimes, I feel like I am flying when I am going downhill. It actually makes me feel good,” she said. “I know when I have my skateboard, lip ring and tattoos, people feel I must be this cocky, rebellious, maybe even angry person.”

In reality, she is not that way.

Shepherd resident and CMU alumna Laura Schmidt said Lewis has taught her about resilience, and is an exhibit of growth and is proud to call her a friend. Fighting depressive episodes is a battle Lewis plans to win, she said.

“I’ve seen her struggle, but I’ve also seen her courage and her strength, and that is motivation to continue fighting for a better life for myself,” Schmidt said.