When I first decided to seek mental health support, I was at a point in my life where I felt like I was juggling a lot but not really taking care of myself in the process. I was managing school, relationships, and future plans, but underneath it all I felt anxious, easily overwhelmed, and unsure of how to slow down. I realized I’d been trying to handle everything on my own for too long, and it was starting to affect both my focus and my mood.
I wanted a space where I could talk openly, make sense of what I was feeling, and start learning how to cope in healthier ways.
What Helped Me
What really helped me feel ready to start working on my mental health through therapy was realizing that I didn’t have to wait for things to fall apart to ask for support. I’d been telling myself for a long time that I should be able to handle everything on my own, but eventually I recognized that talking to someone didn’t mean I was weak... it meant that I was ready to understand myself better. Once I reframed therapy as something proactive rather than a last resort, it felt like the right time to start.
Taking the First Steps
Before I even started talking to someone, I reflected on what I wanted out of therapy. For me, it was to understand why I felt anxious or on edge even when things were technically going well. I noticed I was constantly overthinking, replaying conversations, and second-guessing myself, especially in relationships and decision making. I also found it hard to set boundaries because I didn’t want to disappoint anyone, which often left me feeling drained and disconnected from myself.
Day to day, this all showed up as restlessness, trouble relaxing, and a sense that I was always ‘on.’ I wanted to understand where those feelings were coming from and learn how to slow down, quiet my mind, and be more present both with myself and with others.
When Things Started to Shift
I noticed things beginning to shift when I started catching my negative thoughts instead of immediately believing them. I learned how to pause and look at what was really happening underneath. I also learned how to create a space where I feel truly comfortable being open and honest, and this made me feel more comfortable with the fact that growth takes time and doesn’t have to look linear or perfect.
What I Have Learned So Far
Throughout my journey I’ve learned how to be more patient with myself. I no longer react as quickly or get overwhelmed in the way that I used to. I’ve also learned how to set healthier boundaries and how to be kinder with my self-talk. Even these small changes have made all the difference. I’ve also been checking in with myself more, taking breaks, and I’ve gotten a lot better at understanding my limits, which has made me feel more balanced and more in control of my emotions.
Now I try to make caring for my mental health part of my everyday routine. I rest when I need to, take the necessary time to slow down, and stay connected with supportive people. My personal experience with therapy taught me that taking care of myself is something I need to keep practicing.
Looking Back
Now I can see how much I’ve grown since I began seeking support with my journey to better mental health. I understand my emotions better, I am softer with myself, and I’m also more grounded and more confident in setting boundaries. I’m proud of how far I’ve come and how I continue to show up for myself. I’m proud that I'm better able to ask for help, to reflect on my emotions without judgment, and to take small but meaningful steps toward self-understanding and growth.
A Message to People on Their Journey to Better Mental Health
What I’ve learned is that asking for support, and working through your mental health challenges isn’t about having everything figured out, it’s about finding and creating a safe space to explore your thoughts and feelings, learn about yourself, and develop tools to cope with life’s challenges.
Taking that first step can feel intimidating, but it’s also an incredibly empowering act of self-care. It’s also okay for progress to be gradual, and it’s okay to have setbacks. What matters is showing up for yourself and continuing to care for your mental health.
I hope that by sharing my experience, someone else might feel encouraged to take that first step, knowing that investing in yourself is always worthwhile.
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