We are worth it.

Written By Samantha Harrison

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, I’m opening my heart to you with the hope that you see the common thread that connects us all - the human experience. Per Mental Health America, 1 in 5 people will experience a mental health condition in any given year. The struggle is far more common than you may think, and people are still not getting the help they need. Join me and other mental health advocates to #endthestigma through story-telling, education, or by simply checking in on those around us. What’s stopping you from asking someone “Are you ok?” or responding to that question with something other than “Fine, thanks.”?

My first loss was my beautiful Aunt KA, who was taken unexpectedly in a car accident when I was 7 years old. I barely made it passed 1st grade because I wasn't able to cope. The fear of my parents dying overwhelmed me and most days I was frozen, crying quietly at my desk. Through the caring words and comforting hugs of my teacher and guidance counselor, I was introduced to what I now understand as "therapy." Years have gone by and I have experienced valleys of darkness where my heavy heart forced tears from my eyes, especially when I was alone in the shower where no one could see me breaking. Thankfully, each time I connected with help, and learned something about myself: sometimes I need to share my soul with someone so I'm not alone in my thoughts.


Fast forward…

Three days after being home with my newborn son in 2019, feelings of loneliness, helplessness, inadequacy, and loss of purpose were looming over me. I cried all day between the every-hour nursing that he required, exhausted and defeated, keeping my hand on his chest as a way to cope with my fear that he would stop breathing. Finally, thanks to the unwavering support of "my village", I broke through the post-partum depression. I slowly started to feel worthy again and then one day my intuition grabbed my attention. I felt a powerful urge to elevate awareness for mental health - for the world, my family, and myself. I now understand my reasons for going to therapy and how pursuing coaching is helping me truly live as "me". I'm "walking the talk", hoping my son sees the importance of mental health.


Every day I'm doing my best to stand strong with those who keep their struggles hidden or aren't yet ready to share their story. No matter what your experience is right now, you made it to today. We made it. And we will continue to make it. Somedays are better than others, and that's ok. Mental health is the foundation of well-being. Every step forward is movement to finding your version of well-being. We are worth it. 

Not sure where to start?

Samantha Harrison