Why Mental Health? (Nicole)

Looking back, I don’t recall a time where I wasn’t anxious. Childhood, adolescence, and my young adult years all had their fair share of untreated, untamed anxiety. But it went unnoticed by others and myself. Anxiety? Do you mean an incredible ability to plan for the worst case scenario, mold to fit your every expectation (there was simply no way I was coexisting with the feeling of disappointing you), and to talk for hours about my inner life (the ruminating thoughts were rum-in-aaaa-ting)? Before having the understanding and tools to treat my anxiety, it was a driving force that I believed to be a normal part of my existence. Taking the time to listen, understand, and treat my symptoms was the catalyst to my healing and growth. 

I went to college thinking I would be studying weather. It was my life’s mission. I loved thunderstorms, so it made sense. Do you know what didn’t make sense? Hydrology. You’ll have to Google it if you want to know what it is, because I still couldn’t tell you. This class was in my FIRST SEMESTER as a meteorology student. It was also my last semester as a meteorology student. This was, in fact, not my life’s mission. After a few weeks, trips to the guidance counselor, and an existential crisis later, I landed myself in the community psychology program. Psychology seemed cool, and I could understand what each of the courses meant. I went from learning formulas to drawing myself as a container and analyzing how it made me feel. Ahh, now this is much more my speed.

It was during this transition and curiosity of psychology that led to unleashing my passion for mental health and understanding the human experience. I found myself realizing many of my interests and natural ways of thinking and seeing the world aligned with the approaches and skills within the counseling profession. 

I realized I love learning how complex the human existence really is. Through this learning journey I have deepened my empathy and understanding in ways I didn’t know was possible; first for others, then for myself. This led me to studying and better understanding the impact of trauma and the many ways it shows up for us. It’s led me to recognize my mission to create space to process the many forms of grief, and how life transitions impact us in all sorts of ways. My “why” started as a curiosity, and has formed into a deep passion and desire to walk alongside others in hopes to help them discover themselves, heal, and live the life they were meant to live. 

Having a better understanding of my anxiety through receiving my own therapy has allowed me to process deep wounds and past trauma, find healing, and set the boundaries I need to honor my own existence.

And now, I look forward to being a part of that work for others.

Enjoying the ride,

Nicole