As someone initially afflicted with schizoaffective disorder (depressive type), which is a rare mental health condition affecting 0.3% of the population, I know the challenge of accessing mental health services especially during the Covid-19 pandemic remains a priority for my community today. Many with my diagnosis are on disability, low income, or unemployment with low accessibility to mental health services in general. Yet, much negative public stigma remains around mental health- making those in my community unable to live open lives due to potentially being discriminated against in the workplace, hesitancy to share things openly with their therapists and psychiatrists, and who struggle to self-care every waking day.
For four years battling multiple hospitalizations and relapses alone in a complicated healthcare system, I fully overcame my condition this year to enroll in a graduate program in my thirties. It has been a long road to recovery to deal with my anxiety and paralyzing irrational fears of being afraid to go out as well as use the Internet (called "delusions", which are the symptoms of which I suffer from). While it has been frustrating cycling through different medications and therapists all the while knowing there is no cure for my illness, I remain optimistic more than ever. What I have learned is that overcoming trauma requires intensive reprogramming who you are at the core. Most importantly by taking steps to prioritize mental health, I have discovered through support groups on campus here that no one is alone, even though it feels that way. I've learned how to be vulnerable instead of shamefully hiding my past, and to openly share my depression with the hope that others can be inspired enough to tell their stories from hearing my own.
Today, who I am has been shaped by academic lenses that make me indebted to serving different sectors of society. I cannot be a role model until I have successfully built the foundation that others can also be uplifted on not just through words, but through action. Therefore, whether each dimension has reflected currently participating as a mental health coordinator, or contributing to mental health articles, my present goal remains to give a voice- more importantly, value to those who are underrepresented in the disabled community. My aspiration is to be an advocate for rights for neurodivergence and disability both academically and professionally. My commitment remains to volunteering for organizations like NAMI (National Association on Mental Illness) and AFSP (American Foundation for Suicide Prevention). With my degree, I want to break the silence about disability in the workplace and aim to solve today’s problems through technology from a perspective that is inclusive of digital accessibility. As a minority, being the first in my family to study higher education has given me sufficient motivation to be the byproduct of the generational American story, where I hope with this scholarship, can help speak for those individuals who not only will find the clarity and courage to independently live on their own, but to walk their own paths.
Throughout my life, I have learned that in order to maintain a state of mental wellness, it is really important for me to take care of all aspects of myself, including my mind, body and spirit. For me this is done through a rigorous practice of self-care, which is mindfully incorporated on a daily basis by scheduling in time for "the little things" such as walks, taking time by myself, and getting comfortable with saying "no" to certain social obligations or other obligations that would be putting too much on my plate all at once. I take time each morning in the wee hours of dawn, before everyone else wakes up, to sit with a cup of hot coffee in silence and focus on grounding myself and getting into my body. After a few moments of this quiet time, I pull up my calendar and make notes of anything specific I might be looking forward to or needing to get done, and sometimes I create checklists to ensure I have the tools I need to be successful. This, for me, embodies a self-care practice and affects my mental health considerably because it helps me not to feel thrusted into a day that I don't feel mentally prepared for.
When I learned how to begin prioritizing my mental health by getting outside for regular walks in nature with my dog, speaking with a mental health counselor on a semi-regular basis, practicing yoga and fueling my mind and body with healthy food, and being in relationships with people who have a positive impact in my life, I have seen that I am able to take on many challenges and experience success in the workplace, in academics, as well as in my home life and social life. I am also able to be a better parent to my seven-and-a-half month old son who needs me to show up as my best self in order to take good care of him. I want to show him with the way I live my life that it is possible to live a healthy and joyous life, and that doing so will put him in a position to accomplish any goals and navigate any challenges that come up for him.
As a woman who is currently working toward obtaining a masters degree in clinical mental health counseling, I have a deep understanding of the necessity of prioritizing mental health not only because it is the subject I am studying, but because my entire life has led me to this juncture at which prioritizing not only my own mental health but also encouraging and impacting those around me in a way that positively affects their mental health has become my primary goal in life. As someone who struggled with mental health in adolescence and was able to overcome significant obstacles to get to where I am today, I have a deep appreciation for the role of mental health in my life and I am so excited for the opportunity to share my passion for mental health with my community and positively impact others' lives as a licensed mental health counselor.
If it wasn't for the struggles I faced in my youth, and the mental health resources I had access to that helped me grow as a person, I wouldn't be where I am today and I am so grateful that I have learned how to make my mental health the number one priority no matter what life throws at me.
Thank you for considering me as a potential recipient of this scholarship, to help me reach my goals.
Navigating the academic landscape with ADHD has been a journey of self-discovery and resilience. Throughout elementary and high school, I grappled with the challenges that ADHD presented, striving to excel despite lacking the necessary resources. I maintained an average performance, earning A's and B's, but always sensed that I could achieve more if provided with the right support.
It wasn't until my freshman year of college that I received a formal diagnosis for ADHD, marking a turning point in my academic and personal life. In the Hispanic community, mental health can be a somewhat taboo subject, and breaking this silence has been a significant aspect of my journey. I am hopeful that open dialogues about mental health will become more common, fostering understanding and support.
With my diagnosis, I began a tailored approach to managing my ADHD. I take medication that helps alleviate the challenges posed by ADHD, but my commitment to prioritizing mental health extends beyond pharmaceutical solutions. I incorporate regular exercise, maintain a balanced sleep schedule, and adhere to a healthy diet. These lifestyle choices are vital in managing ADHD, as disruptions in sleep, imbalances in dopamine, and nutritional deficiencies can contribute to overwhelming feelings and emotional dysregulation.
Living with ADHD often feels like navigating an unending to-do list, but I remind myself to approach life with compassion. In a society that often values conformity, I celebrate our differences, recognizing that ADHD offers unique perspectives and strengths. While ADHD can be overwhelming, I have learned to harness its positive aspects. People with ADHD have lower dopamine levels, leading them to seek stimulation. For me, this search for dopamine has translated into a passion for creativity.
Creativity has become my outlet, a source of focus and joy. I can paint for hours, experiencing the hyper-focus that comes with ADHD. This hyper-focus not only aids in my artistic endeavors but also serves as a reminder that ADHD is not solely a challenge—it's an advantage. The ability to hyper-focus allows me to delve deeply into my art, creating work that I am immensely proud of.
In managing ADHD, I am committed to dispelling the stigma surrounding mental health in my community. Through open dialogue and sharing my own journey, I aim to contribute to a more supportive and understanding environment. By embracing the challenges and advantages that come with ADHD, I am forging a path that prioritizes both my mental health and my artistic pursuits. As time progresses, I am refining my strategies for managing ADHD, learning more about myself, and navigating life's complexities with resilience and compassion.
