An Open Letter to My Professor

When I entered class, I didn't expect you to say something so personal. When you told us we would discuss a poem based on a racially-charged murder, I knew that we were going to be in for a difficult discussion about race. I was prepared for that. I set my personal feelings aside because I…

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What I Wish People Understood About Anxiety Disorders

Lately, I've noticed quite a few misconceptions about anxiety disorders. Unless you experience an anxiety disorder firsthand, it's hard to understand what it's like to live with one. Unfortunately, society fuels a lot of the stigma surrounding mental illnesses; stigma spreads false information and prevents people from seeking treatment. Today, I wanted to take a…

Anxiety Disorders and Exhaustion

"Why are you always so tired?" Most of the time, people ask me this question after I tell them "I'm tired." If I had a nickel for every time someone's asked me this question, I would be a millionaire. I've always been at a loss for how to respond to this question. How do you…

Immigration, Children, and Trauma

***Trigger Warning*** (Trauma, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) Trauma. One little word can have so much of an impact on a person's life. One little word can change your life forever. I've been thinking about trauma lately, especially with the news of the family separations at the U.S.-Mexico border.  I've been heartbroken, disgusted, and outraged. More than…

Stigma and Mental Health

***Trigger Warning*** (Suicide) Last week was a rough week for many who have mental health issues. There were not one, but two celebrity suicides this past week: Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain. It's opened up a much-needed conversation about mental health issues and the stigma around them. Because of this, I wanted to take the…