Mental Health Awareness Month

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.