As a South Asian American, some of the biggest struggles I’ve faced with mental health have been depression and anxiety. I struggled majorly through high school, college, and the pandemic with issues like suicidal thoughts.
For years, I was in a constant state of panic. My emotions regularly overpowered me, and it would get to the point where my issues caused me physical pain. I was in a dark place for a long time, and I didn’t know how to get out.
It took years for me to realize I needed help.
During a relationship I had around the pandemic, I realized I was becoming codependent on my partner. I thought that their love would fix the pain, but in reality, that only harmed our relationship. It was then that I realized if I didn’t get help, every relationship would negatively run its course.
Unfortunately, I had to be discreet about getting help. My family didn’t understand the idea of therapy or working with a professional. Thankfully, as someone who worked from home, I found a way to do therapy sessions when my family wasn’t in the house.
Like everyone, I still face challenges with my mental health. But I am no longer suicidal, and I am getting a better handle on my mental health issues. Though I’ve seen many mental health specialists from time to time, I’m now at a place where I’ve found strategies to help myself. I can go a period without feeling overwhelmed by my mental health issues in ways I couldn’t before. These techniques have taught me to hold myself with great strength, and I am proud that they’ve led me to where I am today.
If you have similar issues, reach out to a professional for help. You can use resources through your health insurance or see if your local community has any resources. Websites like SAMSHA and its national hotline can help you find mental health resources.
Prioritizing mental health is key to ensuring your safety and overall health. Most of all, you never know what may come of getting help.
Photo by Sai Maddali on Unsplash
