Grace H
on
I always saw physical and mental health as being separate until my anxiety got really bad and I noticed that I was getting sick more often. I’ve always had a lot of health anxiety, so in therapy, I identified a cycle: I would have anxiety about my stomach hurting, which would cause my stomach to […]
Mackenzie H.
on
Navigating mental illness is the hardest thing I have ever worked through. Having struggled with numerous illnesses and episodes over the years, I can safely say that I would happily choose to be free of my mental health struggles. However, dealing with depression has only made me stronger and has taught me lifelong lessons that […]
Greta
on
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 [...]
Aimee
on
CW: Detailed discussion of medical treatments, medication, and depression. When I was 12, I started feeling depressed. Because it is a deeply chemical issue, it has never been meaningfully resolved. In short, my psychiatrist was sick of seeing me. After trying 8 medications with no positive effects, I finally found one that helped. It completely […]
Mackenzie H.
on
Content warning: Mentions of suicide, and suicide ideation. In September 2018, I tried to intentionally end my life for the first time. Something in my brain suddenly snapped and I became acutely suicidal. I felt like I was a plague that only caused harm to others around me. I eventually suffered a mental breakdown, and […]
Gwen
on
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 […]
Natalia
on
CW: Mention of Bipolar Disorder, mentions of depression and mania. When I first asked my mother to see a therapist, I was 14. She looked at me with a bewildered look in her eye and proceeded to tell me “We’re Cuban, we don’t do therapy”. From that moment on, I was convinced that Hispanic people […]
Greta
on
My alarm clock sounds and I wake up feeling drained. I can’t remember what’s on my schedule for the day and I can barely focus on any of my tasks. I go through the motions and feel unmotivated in everything I do. This was the mental state of survival mode that I lived in for […]
Sammantha
on
For some people, the idea of spring or summertime coming is a welcome joy, but others may dread the hotter months of the year. They may even experience feelings of depression or sadness during the spring or summer months, which can be symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Sometimes referred to as seasonal depression or […]
Greta
on
TW: Sexual violence, sexual assault, suicidal thoughts, depression, and PTSD. April marks the beginning of Sexual Assault Awareness Month. This year, the focus of awareness is on building connected communities to help us “reduce the likelihood of sexual abuse, assault, and harassment.” By focusing on connection within our communities, we can promote safety and look […]