Passion-Bigger Than The Diagnosis

As I meet people I often get the question: How'd you get into the mental health field? Most of the time I give a quick answer like "I just love helping people." or "I've always been interested in behavior." Truth is it's bigger than those quick answers. It's passion developed at a young age!

As a child growing up, there were not a lot of conversations (if any) about mental health wellness, issues, or even treatment around me. The most I heard was may be a mention that someone was depressed after a break up or hearing about post-partum depression after the Andrea Yates tragedy with her children. However, I do remember people and family members discussing someone else’s behavior and calling it “crazy” or overhearing conversations about the excess drinking an adult was doing on a consistent basis. Even in those conversations there was no mention about how to get these family members help or what the “crazy” behavior really was.

At 14, I vividly remember hearing the words “She has been diagnosed with Bipolar disorder”, in conversation about a friend close to my family. It almost seemed somber as if it was a life ending diagnosis. They continued on to express how that diagnosis explained some of the behavior she had been exhibiting. She’d been extremely analytical of herself, had days that she could not work because of her depression and many other symptoms that made it hard for her to make safe life choices. This entire conversation (while I’m sure no one thought I was listening) captivated me. I wanted to know more. Why did she have Bipolar Disorder? What exactly does it mean? How does she get help? Will she have it forever? It was not enough for me to just accept someone had been told they have Bipolar Disorder. I needed more information, and something in my spirit told me I needed to know how to help people given this diagnosis.

The following day I went to school and asked one of my favorite teachers what was bipolar disorder. Mr. Bennett (who was my speech teacher btw) explained the diagnosis as best as he could, allowing me to ask follow up questions, listened to me try to talk through understanding and then expressed – this Bipolar disorder has everything to do with psychology, and then challenged me to look up more information myself. At the time I did no such thing, I was a kid, I wanted the quick answer and was satisfied with what he gave me. Despite going the extra mile in the moment; I knew two things: 1. I would no longer allow people to call behavior “crazy” because I realized that someone’s behavior may be the result of something else happening and 2. That I would study Psychology in college.

As the years went by, I never lost sight of my desire. I did in fact study psychology in school and was challenged and intrigued even more by the human brain, and how holistically your behavior is affected by MANY different factors, chemical balance/imbalances, and even nature vs. nurture. The curiosity I had at 14 turned into an innate passion to study, understand and treat behaviors of mental health disorders. I also developed a heart of advocacy wanting to help break the stigma of mental health issues and educate others on how to get the proper help to live great lives. The family friend still lives with Bipolar disorder. They’ve experienced many ups and downs, including raising two beautiful girls, desires to not take their medication resulting in suicide attempts, individual & group therapy, being promoted in career etc. I’ve learned that it is still the person who has diagnosis decision on how they will live their life; however I am going to do everything I can to be an ally, a voice and the best clinician I can to push anyone who is diagnosed or has a loved one diagnosed with a mental health disorder to have A BRIGHTER DESTINY.

This blog is a place for licensed clinicians such as psychologists, social workers, counselors and therapist to express their interest in certain topics surrounding mental health. The posts will help educate, inspire, and advocate for the community. I hope you enjoyed reading about my why & how 14 year old me would be proud to know I kept going! You never know how children are inspired and what sparks their interest. That night and the next day conversation with my teacher changed my life and I am so thankful for it. Come back next month to hear the truths from another mental health clinician!

And always remember: Protect your energy, protect your space, Your Mental Health Matters!