I’m a 27-year-old woman living in Toronto, and I currently work in the accessibility and human rights space. I’ve always been drawn to work that centres equity, inclusion, and improving systems. A lot of my identity is tied to questioning the world around me and wanting to make things better for people who often get overlooked.
When My Mental Health Started to Shift
A notable time in mental health journey was during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. I was feeling extremely isolated and disconnected, and suddenly waves of guilt and shame would surface without warning. At the time I’d just gotten into my Master’s program, but everything I worked so hard for suddenly felt uncertain. On top of that, I was working in a federal prison, which exposed me to the realities of that system in an emotionally heavy way. I often felt hopeless, even though I wanted to keep showing up for myself and the people around me. Now looking back, I see that period as being defined by a deeper worry for the collective and feeling of disorientation that I couldn’t quite name.
Realizing Something Needed to Change
When the restrictions started to lift and I transitioned into a full-time career, I realized that those feelings hadn’t really gone away. I was navigating through the world with an increasing awareness that I needed to care for myself more intentionally. I had spent years supporting others while I was quietly neglecting my own emotional needs, pushing through exhaustion and telling myself I’d be fine if I just kept going. But the combination of pandemic isolation, the emotional weight of prison work, and the pressures of a demanding new career made it clear that something needed to shift.
Becoming Honest With Myself
A big turning point was realizing I needed to be honest with myself about what I was carrying. The loneliness that had settled in deeper than I’d admitted, the frustration of moving through systems that felt misaligned, and the growing disconnect between my values and the places I was showing up in each day. I also started to notice my friends, family, and colleagues becoming more open about caring for their own mental well-being, which helped reduce some of the stigma I felt. At this point, it was the first time I allowed myself to acknowledge that my feelings were both valid and deserving of care and attention.
The Quiet Moments of Growth
Over time, I began to notice the subtle but meaningful shifts in my mental health, like consistently making space for myself, week after week. I also welcomed emotions I once thought were “too much,” and learned to sit with them instead of shutting them down. That simple act of showing up for myself was one of the first signs that something inside me was softening.
Over time I’ve developed a deeper trust in my own voice, my decisions, and the way I move through the world. I’ve also stopped apologizing for the way I feel or for the values that guide me in my ways. I’ve also learned how to rest without guilt, how to pause before reacting, and how to care for myself with intention instead of pressure. Through all of this I've become more connected to myself, and to the people in my life. I can proudly say that It finally feels like I’m no longer running on autopilot or carrying everything silently.
Tools That Help Me Stay Grounded
If I were to think about some of the tools that have helped me the most are the simple, consistent ones: checking in with my emotions before reacting, noticing where feelings show up in my body, and offering myself compassion instead of criticism. I learned how to slow down internally and reflect before responding, which has changed the way I navigate relationships, work, and stress.
Today, community remains one of the biggest ways I care for my mental health. Staying close to people who understand me helps me feel grounded and supported. Looking back, the biggest changes I notice in myself are in how I relate to my emotions and my sense of self. I feel more present, more aware of my needs, and more confident in choosing what aligns with me.
What I’m Most Proud Of
I’m most proud of how intentionally I take care of myself emotionally, physically, and relationally. I’ve learned to listen to my body, recognize when I need rest, and build relationships that feel both mutual and healthy.
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