1. How old were you when you realized mental health was a thing?
⁃ I was probably about 11
2. Did your parents have any mental issues from your knowledge?
⁃ As far as my dad no…but my mother was sent to a mental hospital at the age of 9.
3. If so, how was it growing up ?
⁃ I was mostly raised by my grandmother, my parents were around but….not full time parents.
4. What hobbies do you practice to keep your mental in tact?
⁃ Smoke weed, meditate, listen to music, make sure I take a mental day when needed, meditate in the shower is one of the best ways for.myself to mentally cleanse.
5. What does mental health awareness mean to you?
⁃ Mental health awareness to me is, knowing it’s ok if you’re not ok. Awareness is knowing when you’re coming to a tipping point in your mental health and sought out ways to try and stay afloat if possible.
1. How old were you when you realized mental health was a thing?
I was in elementary school when I realized mental health was a thing. I grew up in foster care, so my mother made sure I saw a therapist to help us understand our situation a little better, and It kind of helped with other issues I had as a child. I didn’t think of it as something helpful until my father, sister, and uncle passed away and I didn’t know how to cope.
2. Did your parents have any mental issues from your knowledge?
I’m uncertain if my foster or biological parents had mental issues diagnosed by a doctor. However, my foster mother did show very clear signs of depression.
3. If so, how was it growing up ?
My mother didn’t know how to handle her emotions so she would slip into a state of depression where she would either distract herself with work or stay in the room for days. My brother and I were oldest so we spent most of middle school and high school taking care of the other kids in the house. Cooking, cleaning, helping with homework, etc. It was confusing sometimes because one moment she would do everything for us and the next we were left to take care of everything on out own.
4. What hobbies do you practice to keep your mental in tact?
I rock climb, hike, plan international trips, personal research, read, try new things/ food, and when I feel like I’m overwhelmed I sleep or listen to music.
5. What does Mental Health Awareness mean to you?
Giving people the proper tools to help themselves or the people around them. Assuring people that Mental Health illnesses are very common and that we are working on coping mechanisms that cater to every type of person.
1. How old were you when you realized mental health was a thing?
⁃ I was maybe a 13/14 when I realized mental health was a thing
2. Did your parents have any mental issues from your knowledge?
⁃ I strongly believe my Mother and Grandmother struggled with mental health
3. If so, how was it growing up ?
⁃ Growing up I witnessed mental weakness, depression , alcoholism, nervous breakdowns , mood swings etc. it wasn’t until I was an adult that it made sense of what I was witnessing
4. What hobbies do you practice to keep your mental in tact?
⁃ Some of the hobbies I practice to keep my mental health in tact are yoga , Self Care Time , coloring , journaling, hanging with loved ones , sitting at the beach, just to name a few .
5. What does mental health awareness mean to you?
⁃ Mental Health Awareness means a daily check in, being aware of your sanity and emotions. Knowing it’s okay to have emotions and don’t feel bad about feeling. It’s okay to take a step back and just be selfish.
1. How old were you when you realized mental health was a thing?
· In my childhood, I’ve witnessed certain things but didn’t know there was a term for it. Once I got into high school, I found myself in a very dark space. I had never really been so low and down and out until then. I remember not being sure how to explain myself and when I did, no one understood me. My family didn’t get it, my friends didn’t get it, and my teachers didn’t get it. Once, my aunt tried to have a talk with me because my mom was at her wits end and I can tell she was disappointed in me but at the time I sincerely didn’t know how else to explain the sadness, darkness, and anxiety I felt. When I realized that no one would ever understand, I made the decision to hold it to myself. Sadness was meant for bedtime which meant my nights were going to be long. Full of pain and crying.
· I took Introduction to Psychology as an elective when I transferred high school. It wasn’t until then that I realized that there was a term for what I had been feeling all along. Depression. Anxiety. By then it was too late for me to tell my parents. I didn’t trust anyone at this point. So I held onto my own thoughts, my own feelings, and I would still let the nights take over.
· When I was a sophomore in college, I began therapy. I had 1 teacher/counselor who I was able to talk to and it was solely because he saw the signs. He saw me struggling to keep it together. He called a meeting with me and reached out to a therapist he knew personally. I ended up doing sessions at least once a week and it helped me get better. It was difficult, but it was the best thing I could have ever done.
2. Did your parents have any mental issues from your knowledge?
· Yes! In fact, I found out that mental illness is in my family. I have close family members who were diagnosed with clinical depression, schizophrenia, OCD, and a few other illnesses. I’m very much aware that there are some mental health issues within in my family which is why I do my best to reach out and speak up when I feel myself spiraling downward or am simply mentally and emotionally overwhelmed. I even check up on them from time to time to make sure they’re doing ok.
3. If so, how was it growing up?
· When I was a child, I wasn’t aware that mental health was a thing. I didn’t know there was a name for it. When things were great, they were great. When they weren’t so great, then it just wasn’t great. I’ve had many of days/nights of crying and not understanding why and what was wrong. I’ve witnessed certain behaviors as a child that left me clueless at the time. Overall, my childhood was ok but when mental illness isn’t treated, those around you suffer with you. So if you’re a parent, friend, or partner, please seek the professional help to get better for those who truly love you and most importantly, for yourself.
4. What hobbies do you practice to keep your mental intact?
· I’m into so many different things but something that helps the most is reading. I read self-care book, fictional books, or story boards. Reading books or stories gives me access into another world. It temporarily takes me away from my reality. I listen to music that is uplifting, I write (poetry, stories…), play games, and recently I’ve been getting more into the fashion and cosmetology world. Learning a new skill keeps me on my toes. It’s safe and fun for me.
5. What does mental health awareness mean to you?
· Acknowledging that everyone is not ok and that is ok. Being conscious that someone’s “funny acting” behavior can potentially be a cry for help or a symptom of a mental illness. Be patient. Be kind. Be empathetic. Be sympathetic. If it were you, you’d want and need those things too.
Submissions for the #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth questionnaire has been coming in . I’m really grateful for those who’ve participated so far. The goal was to post one story a week but since the request has been rapid I’ve moved it to three stories a week. At this rate I might post more than three a week. That’s insane! I never imagine so many people would support and open up about mental health especially in the black and Hispanic community. I’m proud of us ❤️❤️ Questionnaires, videos etc are still being accepted if you’ll like to support! If you submitted already, your time is coming and I’ll alert you when your entry is being posted. The goal is one a day so everyone has their day. Two if the request keep going up. Thank you !!! #thisiswhatdepressionlookslike ❤️❤️❤️
#ThisiswhatDepressionlookslike 