Mental Health Awareness Month

As this next chapter of my life approaches, I've found myself reflecting a lot. May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and for me, it carries an even deeper meaning.

This May, I will be starting a new chapter—taking a huge risk and returning to school to pursue my BA in Psychology. This is a big step for me. Just over a year ago, I felt hopeless—like I was at rock bottom, without a sense of purpose. I ended up withdrawing from my spring semester classes and decided to take a break, which turned into two semesters. I felt so behind, like a "failure."

Seeing people my age graduate recently has been tough. But one important reminder I hold onto is that everyone moves through life at their own pace. It helps me to remember that individuals with mental health challenges often take longer to finish school—and that’s okay.

As someone who has struggled with my mental health since my early teen years, it's almost become normal to live with these symptoms. Over the years, mental illness has been so heavily stigmatized. There’s this idea that if you have a mental illness, you’re weak—or that you’re letting it control your life.

One thing I’m proud to say I have overcome is that belief. Mental illness is not a weakness—it’s a strength. To have some of the darkest thoughts and still choose to be here, still choose to seek purpose every day, is powerful. Even when your mind tells you awful things, even when you have no energy left, choosing to stay—choosing to keep going—is something to be proud of. It’s honestly amazing when you really think about it.

I’ve always had a huge heart for those who live with mental illness because I understand it on a personal level. In a perfect world, there would be no stigma around mental health. But until then, we can all do our part to better understand and support those around us.