1) I made a commitment to psychotherapy

I’ve been in and out of therapy since high school, but I definitely found it more challenging to stick with a therapist and commit to the process when I was younger (between 16 – 21) for a few reasons. 1) I struggled to find the right fit and was often connected with student therapists who didn’t have enough experience to effectively support my case. 2) We didn’t really talk about mental health in the early 2000’s. The literature was sparse and hard to access, and social media didn’t exist! 3) I truthfully wasn’t responsible enough and hadn’t learned the importance of taking care of my health, nor did I have the capacity to understand “the work” (the skills, the psychoeducation etc.) 4) There was a lot of stigma around going to therapy - I was frequently encouraged to keep quiet about my moods and challenges.

…which brings us to my 20’s when I was eventually diagnosed with a cocktail of mental health conditions: major depression, general anxiety, social anxiety, an eating disorder, body dysmorphia, and borderline personality (BPD) traits. This list would grow to include PTSD and ADHD.

Like a lot of folks, I didn’t do too much with the labels I was given. I took the meds that were prescribed by my psychiatrist and continued repeating unhealthy patterns. My turning point came when I realized I actually had something to lose: a future. In my mid-late 20’s I began a new romantic relationship (with my current partner!) and had also begun school to become an art therapist - now registered psychotherapist. 

Over the course of approximately 2 years, I buckled in and did the work. I attended therapy sessions biweekly (often weekly) and rarely missed an appointment. Therapy was a non-negotiable practice if I wanted to have a life worth living.