Tell us about your mental health journey

I made the decision to retry therapy after finding myself overwhelmed with my work and unable to perform as I once had. With the help of my therapist, I discovered that my work environment was unhealthy and that I needed a change if I was to begin feeling better. I am now in a new job that is a much better fit, and am much more content with my work-life balance. It was not an easy path to get here, but my therapist helped me to realize that it was what I truly wanted and needed. She didn't tell me what to do, but she helped me understand what I wanted to do.

What did you learn in therapy and how did it help you?

Through therapy, I've learned that I experience alexithymia (a difficulty naming, feeling, and expressing emotions). Though challenging, I am grateful for my therapist for introducing me to EMDR, which helps me to process and feel my emotions in a way that I've rarely been able to do independently before.

What is one thing you wish more people knew about therapy?

I wish that people knew that you don't have to be 'unwell' to pursue therapy. Therapy can be preventative as well as reactive, and can help to keep you well or give you skills and resources to better sustain yourself through difficult times.