TRIGGER WARNING: Suicidal ideation
Think about suicide prevention. What comes to mind? Maybe the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, or Suicide Prevention Month? Or it could be the phrases, “You’re not alone,” “Hang in there,” “Keep going.” It’s all necessary, of course, but what about the suicide prevention that starts… before suicide?
Continue reading “Normalize Conversations About Suicide”
Hailin’s mom died when she was six years old. When you deal with death at a young age, you don’t really understand what is going on around you. Her mother was dying from lung cancer.
Continue reading “From Childhood Trauma To Cultural Expectations: An Asian-American Mental Health Journey”
Last night I was on Facebook, scrolling aimlessly, as one does while in the fifth month of a pandemic and lockdown. I saw a post from a friend that said, “Put this on your timeline and let everyone describe you with one word.” Not really thinking about it, I shared it to my own profile. I figured people would say some funny, lighthearted things, and that would be that. But when you expect one thing, the Universe throws you something else, whether good or bad. Some of the words I got made me tear up:
Continue reading “Encouragement Goes A Long Way, No Matter How Small”
Finding a therapist is often the hardest part about therapy itself. I have been in therapy before I came to NYC. I went a few times in high school. I had my breakthrough about my depression in college and had a great therapist from the school’s therapy center. When I graduated and moved back to my hometown, I had a therapist I didn’t really like. Each of these therapists had journeys to find them. Some more difficult than others.
Continue reading “Finding A Therapist Sucks, But I Promise It’s Worth It”
When I lost my virginity, we were midway through sex when I spoke up and said “I don’t think I’m ready to do this.” He stopped. He looked at me. He said “Really? Halfway through? Don’t you think you should have said that earlier?” I didn’t say anything. He kept going. He finished.
Continue reading “I’ve Been Sexually Harassed, Even Assaulted, Because Men Pressured Me Into Sex”