In observance of Mental Health Awareness Month, we’ve been connecting with youth to hear what mental health means to them. The following reflection is from an anonymous youth in shelter:
Since coming to shelter at The Bridge, I’ve felt supported and heard. Now that I am in a safe environment, I feel more open to talking about my struggles with others. I am starting to understand the importance of mental health and what it means to me.
It’s easy to ignore your mental health. Personally, I’ve always put the needs of others before my own. But I’ve found that when you don’t care for yourself, you can suffer in the long run. Without support, people hurt themselves and others. You never know what someone might be going through. So, it’s important that everyone gets the help they need.
The staff at The Bridge have taught me that it’s important to care for yourself in every way, especially mentally. You could be in the best shape of your life, or have the best career, but it all means nothing when you don’t take care of yourself.
I am trying my best to put in the work to care for myself. I want to feel less anxious socially, work on lessening my depression, and most importantly I want to give myself grace to heal during hard times.
Healing is something people underestimate. For me, healing is more than just the word. It’s overcoming your fears. Sometimes it means just sitting in your feelings until you find the bright side. It can look different for everyone.
I heal by creating art, listening to music, going for walks, and writing.
But the thing that helps me the most though, is being in community with others. The staff at The Bridge have taught me that we all do better when everyone is being supported. Treating others with kindness and care helps all communities heal.
This support means a lot to me. Without it, I don’t think my mental health would be as strong. I know I can always go to the staff at The Bridge for whatever I need. It makes all the difference.
For me, addressing my mental health has been made a lot easier thanks to being at The Bridge. Now I am in therapy, have been able to find support groups, and more. The support I’ve received here has really changed the way I think about myself and my journey. It feels like I am a lot closer to healing.
At The Bridge for Youth, we work to ensure all youth are safe, accepted, and supported. Learn more about our programs and consider making a gift to sustain the resources that help youth address their mental health and thrive.
