Mental health has a significant impact on overall health. As a student, I often experience stress due to deadlines, essays, and exams. Unfortunately, my struggle with anxiety caused my academic performance to decline, and I ended up failing my anatomy and physiology courses. It was very discouraging, as I had dedicated a lot of time to studying for these classes. During this time, I was also experiencing panic attacks almost every day. It was then I decided I needed to seek therapy or just someone to talk to. I had no idea what anxiety was, or what I was doing to help or harm my mental health. After learning about Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), my life has completely changed. I am now better equipped to navigate through the demands of everyday life and my studies. Taking control of my mental health has inspired me to make a difference in my nursing community. As a result, I have decided to further my education and become a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, so that I can help others who have suffered just like I did. I take mental health seriously because as a nurse I have seen how it can affect outcomes in recovery and other aspects of care. As a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, I plan to break the stigma that is surrounded by mental health and mental health issues. It is ok to seek therapy or help when needed. I have always believed that talking with an unbiased person helps more than someone who may know the situation and tell you to “get over it.” Using the inner workings and mechanisms provided in therapy helped me overcome my anxiety and allowed me to pursue my passion for teaching others about mental health. Not only is mental health important, but it is also the driver that sets up our days, and our ability to focus and regulate our emotions. Mental health is important in all wakes of life because it is the epitome of health and wellness. As a student and nurse who has struggled with mental health and anxiety, I prioritize taking breaks when I need them. If I feel overwhelmed or exhausted, I'll find a quiet place and take a moment to simply breathe. If my mind won't quiet down, I'll meditate to reconnect with myself and check-in. As someone who has dealt with mental health challenges, I know how important it is to check in with yourself regularly.

My experience with mental health has been a personal challenge over the years. As a nursing student in 2010, I experienced my first panic attack. Racing heart, and sweaty palms as I studied my anatomy and physiology book for the 100th time that day. I had no idea what was happening. Was I having a heart attack? Was I dying? It was impossible to study so I took a break. The next day, the same thing, and the next day after that. Continuing my journey through nursing school I continued to combat my anxiety and panic attacks. With this experience, I realized I am not alone. 31.9% of adolescents experience generalized anxiety disorder. I am grateful that I have experienced anxiety because it shaped me into becoming a better nurse by understanding patients and assessing them more holistically. Mental health affects our everyday lives. The stigma around it causes fear and avoidance when seeking help. As a nurse who struggles with anxiety, I decided to continue my education as a psychiatric nurse practitioner to implement change within mental health. As a student in my graduate program, I can relate more with my patients by having gone through my mental health struggles. I am better able to treat and implement strategies through therapy and communication with my patients. Understanding that mental health is as vital as physical health can we better understand the world around us. A famous expression I live by is "walk in someone else shoes for a day." On the outside, we do not see what others may be struggling with. Kindness is the best response and compassion is the best medicine.

Maintaining good mental health is crucial for leading a fulfilling life. Coping with mental illnesses can be a daunting task, making even the simplest of tasks challenging. As someone who grapples with anxiety and depressive disorder, I have personally experienced the impact of these conditions. Thus, I am committed to eradicating the stigma associated with mental health and advocating for better care and treatment for individuals, including myself, who are impacted by it. In my role as a nurse, I see it as my duty to speak up for those patients whose voices may go unheard. While providing care is essential, as a compassionate human being, I believe it is equally important to acknowledge the other challenges that individuals face. My passion for holistic care has led me to pursue a career as a Nurse Practitioner primally focusing on mental health. My training in the PHMNP program at the University of New Mexico has equipped me with the skills to effectively engage with patients who are struggling. Mental health has influenced my beliefs by changing the way I view people and the world. A familiar saying “You cannot judge a person until you have walked a mile in their shoes” speaks volumes. Having dealt with depression, I was lucky enough to have a good support system helping me get out of bed and listening to me when I needed to be heard. As difficult as that point was in my life it gave me a new perspective on opening up to people about these difficult issues. I am a better nurse, friend, and person for the struggle. Many times, it's hard for others to see what we are going through. Mental illness is a complex relationship. Having someone to lean on makes all the difference. During my time as a novice nurse shadowing at the mental health clinic at the University of New Mexico Hospital, I was deeply moved by the compassionate care and skilled treatment provided to patients with mental illness. This experience ignited a passion within me to devote my education and career to helping those struggling with mental health disorders. During my time as a novice nurse shadowing at the mental health clinic at the University of New Mexico Hospital, I was deeply moved by the compassionate care and skilled treatment provided to patients with mental illness. This experience ignited a passion within me to devote my education and career to helping those struggling with mental health disorders. I am lucky I can share my story and struggles and empathize with my patients. Not many can say the same, unfortunately. I have lost people in my life related to depression. People always tell me, “I never saw the signs.” That is why I chose mental health because as a person who has occasionally struggled it is important to have someone to lean on and relate to. With this I believe my journey as a Nurse Practitioner, I can accommodate my patients by trying to treat them with availability and vulnerability.