Claire M.

Featuring Claire Moore

If you’re reading this, it’s okay to not be okay.

College is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. New classes, new people, new responsibilities—it’s a lot. And sometimes, the weight of it all can sneak up on you. I’ve learned the hard way that mental health is just as important as physical health. Just like you’d go to the doctor for a broken bone, it’s okay—and necessary—to reach out for help when your mind feels heavy. Nothing you’re going through is “too small” to matter. You don’t need to wait for a crisis or life-altering event to ask for help.

One of the most helpful lessons I’ve learned is that taking care of your mental health doesn’t mean you’re weak. It means you’re human. Checking in with yourself is just as important as checking in on your friends. And leaning on your support networks— whether that’s a friend, a family member, or a counselor—is not embarrassing. It’s courageous.

Serving as Philanthropy Director for the Gamma Phi Chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma at SMU gave me the opportunity to advocate for mental health awareness, but it also challenged me to reflect on my own. I realized that I can’t encourage others to take care of themselves if I’m not willing to do the same. Organizing events to support Mental Health America, our national philanthropy, and sharing resources reminded me that prioritizing mental well-being isn’t just something we talk about, it’s something we all have to practice.

One of the resources many of our members have turned to is Talkspace, an online therapy platform available free to collegiate members thanks to our Foundation. With Talkspace, you can connect with a licensed therapist through text, audio, or video— whenever and wherever you need it. It’s a reminder that help can fit into your life, even when everything feels chaotic.

There’s a stigma around admitting when you’re struggling, but there shouldn’t be. Talking about mental health is one of the bravest things you can do. For me, acknowledging my own limits and learning to check in on myself has been a lifeline. It’s not always easy, but it makes a difference.

So, if you’re reading this, know that I’m here for you. You are never alone in this. Whatever you’re carrying right now—it matters, and so do you. I hope you give yourself permission to rest, to reach out, and to remember that your mental health deserves care too.

Claire M., Southern Methodist University

Connect With Us

To follow IfYoureReadingThis at SMU on Instagram, get in touch with our chapter, and learn about more resources available to SMU students, visit our chapter’s homepage.