Kendra's Journey with Mental Health
Sometimes, when people feel sad, worried, or stressed, it can feel like they’re all alone. But Kendra’s story shows us that finding support and learning about mental health can make things easier. After over 20 years of facing mental health struggles, Kendra has learned how important it is to have support and to take care of yourself.
You Are Not Alone
One of the first things Kendra shares is, “You are not alone. I know you hear it all the time…but sometimes your friends and family don’t understand what’s going on.” Sometimes, friends or family members don’t always know how to help. Kendra reminds us that there are other ways to find support, like calling crisis hotlines or connecting with groups like NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) to get help when it’s needed.
If you feel alone or stuck, Kendra encourages you to reach out. “Do not isolate if you feel like you’re getting into a dark place. It’s time to come out of there because we’re not here to watch anybody drown. We want to be the lifesaver.” Reaching out to others can be the first step to feeling better.
Learn About Mental Health
Kendra says that learning about mental health helped her feel more in control. “A lot of people suffer because they just don’t know,” she explains. “You may not have the right doctor or therapist.” For her, learning about mental health helped her take charge of her life.
She wants others to know it’s okay to ask questions and find the right kind of help. “You’re supposed to first know for yourself,” she says. Learning about mental health and how to feel better is an important part of feeling strong and safe.
Find a Safe Place
Therapy and talking to a professional helped Kendra a lot. She talks about how her therapist gave her a “safe place” where she could share anything. “My therapist…was a safe place, or what they call now, a safe place,” she explains. This “safe place” helped her feel understood and comfortable.
It’s also important to take care of yourself, Kendra says. “You have to make sure you have what you need,” she adds. Taking time for yourself and focusing on your mental health, even if it means putting yourself first, is okay.
Take Small Steps to Feel Better
Kendra shares that mental health isn’t only about taking medicine or going to therapy. She says that small activities, like going for walks, spending time outside, or being with friends, can help too. “Sometimes you just have to let it go through,” she explains, meaning that it’s okay to feel your feelings and work through them. Small steps like these can make a big difference.
Resources Can Save Lives
Getting help from mental health organizations like NAMI was important for Kendra. She says, “We want to be the lifesaver...you hold on to that little donut and you get out of that water.” For her, NAMI provided resources and hope, and she encourages others to reach out to find the support they need.
Final Thoughts
Kendra’s story reminds us that even when mental health struggles make us feel alone, there are people and groups that want to help. Finding support, learning more about mental health, and doing things that make us feel better can make a big difference.
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