In my experiences, one of the bigger barriers to seeking mental health support is the belief that one's pain isn't "comparable" to those who may or may not have gone through worse. My friends often try to minimize their own struggles by comparing themselves to my experiences, treating suffering as a competition rather than seeking to use available resources. My preferred form of advocacy is dismantling this mindset by validating their own feelings whilst educating them on the subjective nature of trauma and the potential taxing dangers of gross misjudgment. This advocacy extends to my workplace as well. During our annual insurance enrolment, I try my best to read up on any potential changes and help those who need it navigate the jargon of insurance networks and deductibles. A large portion of my colleagues also happen to use the mental health services here in town or plan to use them, so I try my best to explain the treatments they offer and sliding-scale fees for those who are experiencing any financial restraint. My own history as a survivor of sexual assault and mental illness has also given me a higher capacity for empathizing or sympathizing with the people around me. Aside from being the occasional ear when someone needs it, I try my best to give sound advice without trying to frame myself as a medical professional. For example, I've recently had a coworker confide in me about her young daughter, who is a survivor of abuse and in the process of receiving therapy. Many of her questions stemmed from fear; her little girl was exhibiting behaviors that seemed so out of character. I was never truly "grateful" for what I had experienced until then, and I began telling her the best thing would be to continue her daughter's treatment, to ask her daughter's therapist these questions for clarity, and to seek out help herself due to the nature of those events. As I pursue a degree in Behavioral Neuroscience and biochemistry, I aim to gain a comprehensive understanding of the human mind and body. I believe it would be best, because one's mental well-being extends far beyond its confines, and it's best to view it as a connected system rather than a set of isolated symptoms. By drawing on my own experiences and compassion, my goal is to ensure that no voice goes unheard and no heart remains untouched.