Mental health has been a life-changing experience for me. My oldest sister has severe anxiety to the point where she starts to shake, and her thoughts become chaotic. My middle sister has depression and anxiety. Then there is my single mother who is trying her best to support three girls with the constant thought of, "If I fail, it is all over." Mental health has shaped my beliefs from thinking poorly about those affected to really understanding that it is not just some lazy habit, but a mental disease that needs constant support. I would get angry at my sister, in fact, infuriated that she never wanted to go places, and could not even find the will to clean her room, or herself. Understanding that depression can inhibit people at a mental level took me some time. I did not realize that with depression sometimes getting up is your biggest accomplishment and that taking a shower should be rewarded because that is a major step for that individual to take. Knowing my sisters have mental illness bugs me to my core. They do not deserve the sleepless nights or the dreading thoughts. This is what strikes my passion to change my life path so drastically. Watching my family suffer, and dealing with my own mental illnesses has pushed me into wanting to be a Psychologist. Being able to help my family is what drives my desire. I hate watching them spiral into a ditch they can not get out of. To watch as they slowly get better and become the better version of themselves they only dreamed of being. Mental health is an experience I have dealt with all my life, and I will gladly change myself so that I can learn more, and also be that support they need.

Mental health has been a part of my life for a while now, starting at the beginning of my teenage years. My oldest sister has severe anxiety to the point where she starts to shake, and her thoughts become chaotic. My middle sister has depression and anxiety, and it is often hard to get her out of bed due to her own looming thoughts. A single mother trying her best to support three girls with the constant thought of, "If I fail, it is all over." Mental health changed my beliefs from thinking someone can just push through, to really understanding that it is not just them being lazy, but a mental disease that needs care and constant support. I would get infuriated with my sister that she never wanted to go places, and could not even find the will to clean her room, or herself. Understanding that depression can inhibit people at a mental level took me a while to cope with. I did not realize that with depression sometimes getting up is your biggest accomplishment and to clean your room should be rewarded because that is a major step for that individual to take. Knowing my sisters have this mental illness bugs me to my core. They don't deserve the sleepless nights, the dreading thoughts, the shakes in public, the mental panic anytime they are in public. Along the way, I noticed that I am often the person my friends and family go-to for help. They look for comfort in me and find themselves at peace as I give my advice. I noticed that as I do this I myself get a sense of happiness knowing that I can ease their mind for a little while. Watching my family suffer, and dealing with my own mental illnesses has pushed me into wanting to be a Psychologist. It would mean the world to me to be able to help those who need it and to watch them get better. Being able to help my family instead of just standing there begging myself to find something that will work. I hate watching as their mind takes over, letting them spiral into a ditch they can not get out of. If I can be that bit of happiness for someone, no matter the day, there is nothing I'd rather be doing more. Being an expert who understands the concept of mental health no matter what it may be, will not only help others, but the relationship I have with them too. This means I can bond with those who feel unheard, or feel misunderstood. I lost a best friend of mine in my freshman year of high school. She had changed, depression set in. She was not the same cheerful person I had remembered. I tried desperately to figure out a way to help her, to ease the suffocating illness. Our friendship in the end did not work out. I can recall being devastated, crying until my eyes burned because I had just lost a friend from birth, and it was not her fault! She was trapped in a never-ending mind game trying to find her way out with the prize of happiness waiting at the end of the tunnel. She only fell deeper into the darkness that consumed her. I watched as she unraveled and became someone who was almost unrecognizable. Being a Psychologist would allow me to mend those relationships. When they needed me most I couldn't help. I will gladly learn more so that I can be everything I wanted to be in the moments I couldn't.

Mental health has been a part of my life for a while now, starting at the beginning of my teenage years. My oldest sister has severe anxiety to the point where she starts to shake, and her thoughts become chaotic. My middle sister has depression and anxiety, and it is often hard to get her out of bed due to her own looming thoughts. A single mother trying her best to support three girls with the constant thought of, "If I fail, it is all over." Mental health changed my beliefs from thinking someone can just push through, to really understanding that it is not just them being lazy, but a mental disease that needs care and constant support. I would get infuriated with my sister that she never wanted to go places, and could not even find the will to clean her room, or herself. Understanding that depression can inhibit people at a mental level took me a while to cope with. I did not realize that with depression sometimes getting up is your biggest accomplishment and to clean your room should be rewarded because that is a major step for that individual to take. Knowing my sisters have this mental illness bugs me to my core. They don't deserve the sleepless nights, the dreading thoughts, the shakes in public, the mental panic anytime they are in public. Along the way, I noticed that I am often the person my friends and family go-to for help. They look for comfort in me and find themselves at peace as I give my advice. I noticed that as I do this I myself get a sense of happiness knowing that I can ease their mind for a little while. Watching my family suffer, and dealing with my own mental illnesses has pushed me into wanting to be a Psychologist. It would mean the world to me to be able to help those who need it and to watch them get better. Being able to help my family instead of just standing there begging myself to find something that will work. I hate watching as their mind takes over, letting them spiral into a ditch they can not get out of. If I can be that bit of happiness for someone, no matter the day, there is nothing I'd rather be doing more. Being an expert who understands the concept of mental health no matter what it may be, will not only help others, but the relationship I have with them too. This means I can bond with those who feel unheard, or feel misunderstood. I lost a best friend of mine in my freshman year of high school. She had changed, depression set in. She was not the same cheerful person I had remembered. I tried desperately to figure out a way to help her, to ease the suffocating illness. Our friendship in the end did not work out. I can recall being devastated, crying until my eyes burned because I had just lost a friend from birth, and it was not her fault! She was trapped in a never-ending mind game trying to find her way out with the prize of happiness waiting at the end of the tunnel. She only fell deeper into the darkness that consumed her. I watched as she unraveled and became someone who was almost unrecognizable. Being a Psychologist would allow me to mend those relationships. When they needed me most I couldn't help. I will gladly learn more so that I can be everything I wanted to be in the moments I couldn't.

Someone I admire from history is German psychiatrist Emil Kräpelin. It is sad to know that most people believe mental illness is just a weakness of the mind or soul. This, however, is due to ignorance on the subject. Mental illness was not taken seriously until 1883, this means that the years before most patients who have signs of depression or anxiety were deemed clinically insane. Most of the patients were put into a Psych Ward where they would rot until they eventually passed on. These poor individuals did not get the help they needed and deserved. This leads to people thinking that mental illnesses are just in the patient's head, or that if they just "tried a little harder" it would all be fine. In some cases, people like to tell those with mental illness that they should just get over it, that their suicidal thoughts are all in their head, and that their clinical anxiety is just them being shy and unsociable. This is why I like German psychiatrist Emil Kräpelin. In 1883 Emil published a book on mental health that listed multiple psychological disorders that could be identified by specific symptoms. In his book, he claimed that these symptoms could be suggestive of an underlying physiological cause. This went against many of the social and political views during his time. In the early 1900s, depression was cured by exorcisms and drownings. So, when presented with a logical explanation such as a physiological disorder most people laughed and mocked Emil. I admire him for pushing through the social and political norms to research and give his findings to those who would listen. My family is plagued with mental illness and there is nothing I want more than for them to be at a stable peace of mind.

The characteristic that I value the most in myself is my empathy. With it I feel so deeply for others, in fact, I often feel the pain others have. I have strong opinions due to my empathy. I am often involved in situations such as saving the oceans, bringing up mental health awareness, and helping those who need it the most. This characteristic of mine will help me in my life journey because there is nothing more I feel strongly for than helping those who need it, no matter if you are human, animal, or plant. I plan on studying Psychology when I get out of high school because mental health has impacted my family rather deeply. Both of my older sisters have anxiety and depression, while my mother battles her own mind trying to support me and one of my sisters on her own. I hate watching my family and friends suffer because their mind becomes too much for them. Hearing about the tears they shed as they as the world why it was them they decided to torture. Hearing them talk about how they once had strong passions for art but lost their fire. I have found myself crying on many occasions going over their stories in my head. I think about how I can not help them, how my words most times do nothing to solve their internal storms. I want to become a Psychologist so I can learn about these mental illnesses and find a way to help them get better and see their world as they once did. I feel so strongly about this because of my empathy. My empathy gives me the insight I need, the rage I need to fight so strongly for those suffering. With this job I can help those who need it mentally, those who feel like they are not enough. Those who feel like wasted spaces. I want to show them they are more than just a body, that their soul has meaning. Empathy is often hard to understand, and can sometimes be my downfall, primarily because I care too much sometimes. When I care too much and can not make a difference this is what brings me down. Feeling like my words and actions do nothing, feeling like I can change the things I desperately want to. This is where my empathy takes me. It takes me here to write an essay to get a scholarship so that my mom does not have to worry about paying for my college. It takes me here because I want to learn and succeed in the field of psychology. It takes me here because I want to watch those around me grow and continue to grow. Empathy is not felt by a ton of people. My sister as an example cares about little to nothing when it comes to others or strangers. I, on the other hand, might seem to care too much about those who pass by me on the street. I wonder if they are okay if I can make a difference in their lives. The answer is I can make a difference all due to my empathy. Empathy is why I care so much about other people. Empathy is why I aspire to be a Psychologist instead of a dermatologist. Empathy is why I am here writing an essay for this scholarship so that my mother does not have to worry financially. I value my characteristic of empathy the most because it allows me to see into other's minds and ease their swelling storm.

One way I try to have a positive impact on the world is by preparing myself for the career I wish to have. I want to be a Psychologist when I graduate high school because I have had so many friends and family affected by mental health illnesses. By becoming a Psychologist I can give my friends and family the answers they seek when they come to me with tears, and stressed minds. I can tell them everything will be okay because I have a way to help them out. This goes for anyone I come across in this field. Everyone is going through something no matter how big or small. Different situations affect people in different ways and in different volumes. I want to be that person who makes it all better, who eases the pain when you need it the most. A friend you can call, a shoulder to cry on, the doctor who finally gets it right. I try to have a positive impact on the world by having empathy for others. I can feel and see where they are coming from. I can understand their pain on a deeper level and this makes me want to help them more than anything. I hate knowing that there could be people suffering in silence as my sister does. She has clinical depression but hides behind this facade. So, I tell people throughout the day, "How are you today?" "Is everything alright?" "Has anything exciting happened today?" If I notice someone is upset, I'll ask them about their favorite things. "How are your dogs?" "How did that art competition go?" Mental health awareness is important in this day in age. Everyone needs to be aware that mental health is important, and that a small compliment goes a long way.

Mental health has been a part of my life for a while now, starting at the beginning of my teenage years. My oldest sister has severe anxiety to the point where she starts to shake, and her thoughts become chaotic. My middle sister has depression and anxiety, and it is often hard to get her out of bed due to her own looming thoughts. A single mother trying her best to support three girls with the constant thought of, "If I fail, it is all over." Mental health has shaped my beliefs from thinking someone can just push through, to really understanding that it is not just them being lazy, but a mental disease that needs care and constant support. I would get angry at my sister, in fact, infuriated that she never wanted to go places, and could not even find the will to clean her room, or herself. Understanding that depression can inhibit people at a mental level took me a while to cope with. I did not realize that with depression sometimes getting up is your biggest accomplishment, and to do things like take a shower, or clean your room should be rewarded because that is a major step for that individual to take. It was very difficult for me to understand this and I blame that on my immaturity. Knowing my sisters have this mental illness bugs me to my core. They don't deserve the sleepless nights, the dreading thoughts, the shakes in public, the mental panic anytime they are in public. This is why I have decided to change my career aspirations. I at first wanted to be a Dermatologist or study to be an M.D of some kind. Along the way, I noticed that I am often the person my friends and family go-to for help. They look for comfort in me and find themselves at peace as I give my advice. I noticed that as I do this I myself get a sense of happiness knowing that I can ease their mind for a little while. Watching my family suffer, and dealing with my own mental illnesses has pushed me into wanting to be a Psychologist. It would mean the world to me to be able to help those who need it and to watch them get better. Being able to help my family instead of just standing there begging myself to find something that will work. I hate watching as their mind takes over, letting them spiral into a ditch they can not get out of. Trying so hard to make jokes, or find things that make them joyous, but failing nonetheless. If I can be that bit of happiness for someone, no matter the day, there is nothing I'd rather be doing more. To be able to answer the statement I am depressed and be able to respond with tips and tricks I have learned. To watch as they slowly get better and become the better version of themselves they mentioned only dreaming of being. Being an expert who understands and I mean fully gets the concept of mental health no matter what it may be, will not only help others, but the relationship I have with them too. This means I can bond with those who feel unheard, or feel misunderstood. Those with OCD, or those who have Bipolar Disorder. I lost a best friend of mine in my freshman year of high school. She had changed, the depression had run its course and won. She was not cheerful anymore, not the same person I had remembered. I tried desperately to figure out a way to help her, to ease the suffocating illness but I could not. Our friendship in the end did not work out. I can recall being devastated, crying until my eyes burned because I had just lost a friend from birth, and it was not her fault! She was trapped in a never-ending mind game trying to find her way out with the prize of happiness waiting at the end of the tunnel. She continued but only fell deeper into the darkness that consumed her. I watched as she unraveled and became someone who was almost unrecognizable. An action I had blamed myself for, for so long telling myself if I had just found a "cure" we would still be like sisters. No one deserves to lose a friend because of a mental illness, and those affected do not deserve to be alone. Being a Psychologist would allow me to mend those relationships I have lost through actually being able to find a cure, a way to help them. When they needed me most I could not save them, because I am not a doctor, nor am I a therapist, but if being a Psychologist prevents the ending of friendships, prevents suicides, and prevents the consumption of one's mind, then I will gladly change my career aspirations. I will gladly learn more so that I can be everything I wanted to be in the moments I could not.

One practical solution for helping more people who struggle with mental health is studying the topic more. This may sound cliche or more than likely something that has been said before, but how much do we actually know about mental health? I have heard countless times from friends and family that their mental health has not been addressed or fixed in the slightest. They talk about how the therapy does not work, or how the pills solved nothing. How many people are going to suffer in silence because of the stories they hear about clinics taking money while their mental health runs wild? My sister has clinical depression and it eats at her every day. Getting out of bed is her biggest accomplishment some days. She went through therapy, it did not work, she takes the pills, they do not work either. It has gotten to the point where her mind wanders to suicidal thoughts. So why, why do our methods not work for those who have it the worst? Is suicide their only way out? The simple answer is no. If we make mental health awareness to the public if we get the funding to be able to explore more ideas of how the brain and mental health correlate then maybe we can find a solution. A solution that works for everyone, not just a few. In 2018 there were 48,344 recorded suicides. That is 48,344 souls who felt like there was no other option. Get people aware, and fund the research needed. The 48,344 took their lives, not because they needed to, but because they could not get the help they needed. That is 48,344 sisters, brothers, mothers, fathers, daughters, and sons. Why study the same things, when awareness can save thousands with new research?

Mental health has been a part of my life for a while now, starting at the beginning of my teenage years. My oldest sister has severe anxiety to the point where she starts to shake, and her thoughts become chaotic. My middle sister has depression and anxiety, and it is often hard to get her out of bed due to her own looming thoughts. A single mother trying her best to support three girls with the constant thought of, "If I fail, it is all over." Mental health has shaped my beliefs from thinking someone can just push through, to really understanding that it is not just them being lazy, but a mental disease that needs care and constant support. I would get angry at my sister, in fact, infuriated that she never wanted to go places, and could not even find the will to clean her room, or herself. Understanding that depression can inhibit people at a mental level took me a while to cope with. I did not realize that with depression sometimes getting up is your biggest accomplishment, and to do things like take a shower, or clean your room should be rewarded because that is a major step for that individual to take. It was very difficult for me to understand this and I blame that on my immaturity. Knowing my sisters have this mental illness bugs me to my core. They don't deserve the sleepless nights, the dreading thoughts, the shakes in public, the mental panic anytime they are in public. This is why I have decided to change my career aspirations. I at first wanted to be a Dermatologist or study to be an M.D of some kind. Along the way, I noticed that I am often the person my friends and family go-to for help. They look for comfort in me and find themselves at peace as I give my advice. I noticed that as I do this I myself get a sense of happiness knowing that I can ease their mind for a little while. Watching my family suffer, and dealing with my own mental illnesses has pushed me into wanting to be a Psychologist. It would mean the world to me to be able to help those who need it and to watch them get better. Being able to help my family instead of just standing there begging myself to find something that will work. I hate watching as their mind takes over, letting them spiral into a ditch they can not get out of. Trying so hard to make jokes, or find things that make them joyous, but failing nonetheless. If I can be that bit of happiness for someone, no matter the day, there is nothing I'd rather be doing more. To be able to answer the statement I am depressed and be able to respond with tips and tricks I have learned. To watch as they slowly get better and become the better version of themselves they mentioned only dreaming of being. Being an expert who understands and I mean fully gets the concept of mental health no matter what it may be, will not only help others, but the relationship I have with them too. This means I can bond with those who feel unheard, or feel misunderstood. Those with OCD, or those who have Bipolar Disorder. I lost a best friend of mine in my freshman year of high school. She had changed, the depression had run its course and won. She was not cheerful anymore, not the same person I had remembered. I tried desperately to figure out a way to help her, to ease the suffocating illness but I could not. Our friendship in the end did not work out. I can recall being devastated, crying until my eyes burned because I had just lost a friend from birth, and it was not her fault! She was trapped in a never-ending mind game trying to find her way out with the prize of happiness waiting at the end of the tunnel. She continued but only fell deeper into the darkness that consumed her. I watched as she unraveled and became someone who was almost unrecognizable. An action I had blamed myself for, for so long telling myself if I had just found a "cure" we would still be like sisters. No one deserves to lose a friend because of a mental illness, and those affected do not deserve to be alone. Being a Psychologist would allow me to mend those relationships I have lost through actually being able to find a cure, a way to help them. When they needed me most I could not save them, because I am not a doctor, nor am I a therapist, but if being a Psychologist prevents the ending of friendships, prevents suicides, and prevents the consumption of one's mind, then I will gladly change my career aspirations. I will gladly learn more so that I can be everything I wanted to be in the moments I could not.