Mental health is important because if we ignore our emotional well-being how can we properly take care of our physical selves? I remember when I was a high schooler whenever I would feel low it would be hard for me to do simple tasks like getting out of bed in the morning, eating balanced meals, and even socializing. With this, I noticed fewer productive days. My weight would fluctuate from either overeating or not eating enough. I ended up even losing friends due to wanting to isolate myself. The hobbies I used to enjoy weren't even making me happy anymore. I didn't feel like myself at all when my mental health wasn't being paid attention to. These were some of the ways it had taken quite a turn in my life at the time. This also showcases that when our mental health isn't taken care of it can throw us out of balance to the point it can affect factors in our life. When we are not healthy mentally it can run the risk of impacting our relationships, career/school, diets, sleep, and the list is infinite. I'm grateful to have realized something wasn't feeling quite right with me at the time because I know if I had ignored these negative patterns they would have gotten worse and who knows where my life would be right now if I did not reach out for help. One of the major things that helped me manage my mental health was going to a therapist. I would talk about my day-to-day life, problems, habits I wanted to break, and just about anything. Although I had a great support system at home, I knew deep down inside that I needed professional help when I had no idea how to take care of myself mentally. At first, I was apprehensive about going the first time due to the stigma of having others view me as "crazy" for having to go to therapy. I had even expressed this to my therapist who was understanding and assured me that everyone goes through problems. Over the months of going, I learned numerous techniques to help cope with my emotions like breathing exercises and realizing that even when I get in a weird mood that it's okay. It helped me immensely in breaking bad habits like negative thinking, managing anxiety, and learning how to cope with negative feelings. After attending therapy I felt as if I learned about myself in a new light and was more in tune with my emotions. I don't think that you can ever go wrong when talking to somebody professionally about your mental needs or obstacles that are happening in life.