Happy Mental Health Month! I know it has been a while since the last time I posted, so I would like to start off with a brief update on myself. I am doing really well. I just completed my first year as a full-time student since 2016 and I received a 4.0 GPA for both semesters. I was really nervous about going back to school full-time and was afraid I would have another setback, but I have truly thrived over the last year. In addition to having a successful school year, I have gotten a lot better at striking a work-life balance. I have made new friends, joined clubs, explored new hobbies, worked on my networking skills, and I applied and was accepted into a study abroad program for the fall. This year has taught me that I am capable of much more than I give myself credit for and that my courage and determination can bring my dreams and aspirations to fruition. Taking the time to work on myself was one of the best decisions I have ever made, and I am so much better for it.

People have this notion that they have to be “broken” or really “messed up” in order to justify going to therapy and working on themselves. Personally I think that is an ignorant belief. We are all flawed and it doesn’t matter if someone else if more “screwed up” than you are. I think working towards being the best version of yourself is what life is all about. Although you’ll never be perfect, you can always strive for better. Why wouldn’t you want to make life better for yourself ? I realize that confronting the ugliest parts of yourself can prove to be an intimidating experience. I am also aware that many people do not have the luxury of going to therapy to work on themselves; however, there has been an increasing number of teletherapy options, which are often more affordable and are more accommodating of schedules. There are also a multitude of resources available online that can be used to do some work on your own. Bottom line… anyone can benefit from therapy and can provide one with an invaluable experience. My time in therapy forced me to develop and strengthen invaluable skills including problem solving, adaptability, interpersonal and communication skills which will help me excel in both my personal and professional life.

I want to express to those who are suffering that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. There is hope. If I have managed to come this far, so can you! And to those who have never suffered from a mental illness or don’t understand it, mental illnesses do not discriminate. You do not have to a lot of baggage or a traumatic past to suffer from a mental illness. With the lack of structure and activity to keep our minds occupied throughout this pandemic, people who have never struggled with their mental health are beginning to realize that they are not impervious to mental illnesses. Surprisingly to most people, all that having a mental illness means is that your brain has been overworked and needs time and sometimes therapy to recover.

I have gathered together some resources that have helped me throughout my mental health journey that I hope you may find to be useful. I will also include a link for some affordable therapy options available throughout the five boroughs.

Recommended Resources

Click here to view Black Mental Health Resources

Click here to view LGBTQ+ Mental Health Resources

Click here to view affordable Mental Health Services in NYC