Year: Junior
Major: Civic Leadership
Minor: Policy Studies
I am a mental health advocate because I have seen the outcome of not reaching out for help. When I was in second grade, my grandma died by suicide. At the time I couldn’t comprehend the actions she took nor how she felt. What angered me most was the lack of conversation my family had around the topic. It took me a long time to get help because therapy and other mental health services were taboo in my family. After a few therapists, I finally found the right one that fosters a safe place where I can grieve and process my trauma. Though I still struggle, I am learning how to give myself time and love to heal.
It was hard for me to be vulnerable and admit I needed help. Since finding a good therapist, I have started to work through other traumatic experiences. I am constantly evolving into the person I want to be. I have felt more confident in having uncomfortable conversations and being honest to myself and others. I’ve even reached out to my family and had healing conversations about my grandma, renewing my relationship with them. This doesn’t mean I don’t get triggered, feel stuck, or get back into old cycles and habits. When those situations arise, I practice mindfulness and engage in activities that make me feel good. It can be hard, but I would rather go through the mental work than always feel the pain, grief, and despair that comes up. I feel blessed to get the support my grandma couldn’t dream of receiving.
This journey has taught me coping skills and tools that I continually build on that have already made a huge difference in my life.