Last fall, I was diagnosed with several mental illnesses that shaped my mental health support, therapy, and treatment plans. Psychiatrists diagnosed me with major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, an unspecified eating disorder, and bipolar disorder. Through my own experiences, I’ve learned that getting a health diagnosis can be challenging–but [...]
At 14, I started to advocate for mental health by sharing my struggles with suicidal ideation, depression, and anxiety publicly. Whether in classrooms, on panels, or before cameras, I welcomed the opportunity to educate and empower others by helping to destigmatize conversations and inspire recovery. However, over time, I started to have negative experiences. During […]
CW: Struggles with mental health and hospitalization. When I was struggling with my mental health, I hid behind the exclusive identity of mental illness. I told almost everyone about my struggles unprompted and avoided making new friends due to my tendency to project my problems onto others. Viewing myself solely as someone who was ill, […]
In today’s climate, it’s important to discuss how families can support their children, particularly when it comes to their mental health needs. Having a child who is experiencing significant challenges is difficult, and it often feels like nothing seems to help, no matter what you try. I can’t even imagine what my family went through […]
After juggling life as a highly driven student-athlete for four years in undergrad and then working a full-time job while pursuing a master’s degree, I eventually reached burnout. I thought I could do it all – because I had for so many years. Unfortunately, I did not recognize how I always operated on a low […]
The following blog discusses difficult topics of eating disorders, treatment, and hopeful recovery from the perspective of one individual. Keep in mind that recognizing and seeking treatment for an eating disorder is a journey that looks different for everyone. If you are struggling or in crisis, please call or text “988” or chat online at […]
CW: Mention of hate crimes, AIDS, slavery, and racism. June is a big month for awareness and commemoration events. It can be hard to take in a lot of information about these important occasions, so let’s break down a few of them. You probably already know that June is Pride Month, which is dedicated to […]
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to talk about and prioritize our mental health. Each year, millions of people from across the country come together to raise awareness for mental illness and take action to better the help-seeking culture. Mental Health Awareness Month was first celebrated in 1949 by Mental Health America (MHA), […]
TW: Suicidal thoughts, depression, internalized homophobia, and panic attacks. June is Pride Month. Pride Month celebrates the many contributions made by the LGBTQ2SIA+ community to history, society, and cultures worldwide. This will be my first year of Pride as an openly queer person. It’s both scary and freeing. The Gay Liberation Movement has come a […]
Did you know that the last time the United States Government released a national strategy on suicide prevention was in 2012? That’s 12 years since the nation has had an updated and comprehensive outline that can guide us in the fight to prevent suicide. Recently, the Biden-Harris Administration released a new National Strategy for Suicide […]