On this first day of Mental Health Awareness Month, Adam has some thoughts about how he got from THEN to NOW.
The closer we got to graduation, the more I knew I couldn’t keep going down the same path. I was exhausted—physically and emotionally wiped out—and my mental health was suffering. My parents were amazingly supportive (thank God for them) and I was in weekly therapy with a counselor about an hour away from school. (Ivy thought Aaron was a physical therapist and offered to go with me several times.) For the first time in my life, I had to put myself first, even if it meant turning my back on everyone I loved. Well, on the one person I truly loved.
If you are thinking about harming yourself — get immediate crisis support. Connect to a crisis counselor 24/7, 365 days a year, from anywhere in the U.S via text, chat, or phone. The Trevor Project is 100% confidential and 100% free. Text ‘START’ to 678-678 or call 1-866-488-7386. Trained counselors understand
the challenges LGBTQ young people face and are available for support 24/7. They will listen without judgment. When text, chat, or call, all of your conversations are confidential, and you can share as much or as little as you’d like.
