Photographed by Lena W.
If You’re Reading This, Know That You Are Seen, Heard, and Loved.
You know that feeling you get when something is wrong but you can't put it into words? Yeah, I've been there. When I first noticed that I was constantly sad, I was scared to speak out because I didn't want to be the person that always had something wrong with them. I felt like bad days and bad moods were contagious and my friends would eventually get tired of me so I tried to mask the feeling. After a while, there's only so much a person can mask before reaching a breaking point. I went to my mom one day and flat out said "I am not ok, I need help," and she found a therapist for me.
Going to a complete stranger and just opening up about everything I had been feeling wasn't an easy task, and to this day, there are times I struggle with putting my feelings into words; it took time, patience, and courage. Since that moment, I have been an advocate for mental health services and building community with those around me so that those tough conversations can come easy. Now, I work with student-athletes, hold mental health certificates, and keep up with all things mental health so that I can be a support for those around me. So, if you're reading this, know that those bad days don't last forever and there is a community out there that will support you as you are. Please remember, you are seen, you are heard, and most importantly, you are loved.
Akilah S., Women’s Basketball Academic Coordinator
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