Therapy

As I stand on the cusp of my third year, I reflect on my evolution from gang loyalty to academic pursuit. This isn’t just my redemption — it’s a testament to the unyielding power of transformation.

I embarked on this journey this semester of exposure therapy, in which I aim to do the opposite of what I would normally do or want to do. This was all in an effort to confront all my anxious thoughts and to remind myself that creating this illusion of romanticism being the only remedy to reality is not a sustainable mindset. 

Every week this summer, my younger self and I have been putting in the work to overcome our internalized racism. My words have created a safe space for dialogue with myself.

Suicidal thoughts are terrifying at any age. I was only 14 when I was hospitalized. Rather than being cared for, I felt as though I was being punished for my depression.

When I explain this aspect of my mental journey, the majority of people I talk to have some way of criticizing my choice to refrain from medication, unable to understand why the “magic” happy pill wouldn’t work.

Periods of sadness, exhaustion and dissociation are inevitable for me. What has kept me going is learning how to manage the waves.

While my accommodations haven’t made my college experience flawless, I don’t think perfection is necessary to succeed at UC Berkeley.

In my self-imposed isolation, it felt inappropriate to ask for a hand to hold. Growing up in a culture where conversation about emotions were rare, opening that door felt close to impossible.

This quick and easy activity will have lasting impacts on your mental health and you can easily use these prompts to kickstart your journaling journey.

For all the times you want to scream but are unfortunately stuck in a house with other people, I’ve accumulated some journaling prompts.