Kathryn R.

Photography by Mason Schlopy

If you’re reading this, it’s okay to ask for help. 

Mental health is a difficult and complex subject that many people avoid talking about. It’s easy to ignore the symptoms and convince yourself you are fine. It’s easy to compare yourself to others, undermining your struggles because they “aren’t as bad.” I am here to tell you that your mental health does matter, and people do want to listen.  

I’ve always been an extroverted, motivated person. I love finding new hobbies, such as painting, crocheting, playing the guitar, and pretty much any random activity you could think of. I love meeting new people and normally say “yes” to any experience. Coming to college, pursuing two majors, studying abroad, and joining Greek life, was a lot of change. Something that no one prepares you for, good or bad. 
At the start of my junior year, I started becoming uninterested in things I used to love, stopped participating in extracurriculars, napped throughout the day to avoid responsibilities, and pushed my friends away. I would have daily panic attacks, randomly cry throughout the day, so anxious I couldn’t function.  

But I hadn’t gone through anything “traumatic” so why would I need help? Why would I not be, okay? 

Those were the questions I played in my head for months, convincing myself I was being dramatic or having a rough week. I was afraid of admitting that something could be “wrong with me” or that I couldn’t fix this one alone. As a chronically independent person, that was a tough one to swallow.  

It wasn’t until my close friends approached me to tell me they were worried about me, one even saying, “This isn’t the Kathryn I know,” that I was forced to face the issue. I was hit with a wall of realization that I too missed the old me.  

The road to getting help was not easy, and I often gave up or pushed the issue off until another day. It can be incredibly overwhelming and emotional to ask for help. It can often feel like you did something wrong, or you are weak. As difficult as it may be, I want you to know it’s worth it. I eventually started anxiety medication and talking with a therapist. Adapting to help was weird and often uncomfortable, but as my dad always says, “The only way out is through.” And it’s true, seeking help is a long journey and nowhere near easy. But know that you are loved, and you are not alone.  

Getting help doesn’t mean you are weak; it doesn’t mean you are damaged; it doesn’t mean there is anything wrong with you; it just means you need some extra love. And that’s okay. Asking for help doesn't make you a burden; it makes you human.

Kathryn R., Syracuse University

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