“I can’t, I have therapy.’’ These words were spoken to me by a close friend awhile ago. It was said casually as it should be, but it resonated with me. I have attended therapy on and off since I was seven for anxiety and depression. My freshman year I was embarrassed about going and would lie and say I have an appointment for other things. Even sometimes this year I would complain about going. I felt ashamed that I suffered. I felt like I was the only one suffering. I think it says a lot about the stigma surrounding mental health that is easily associated with shame.

I am no longer ashamed of going to therapy. There is no shame in bettering yourself. 

Therapy really helped me improve in many ways. When I started I was scared to even ask my friends because I was so afraid of rejection, now I do it with ease. I have also improved my self confidence. It was also in therapy where I learned I like to write my feelings and then talk through them.

I think everyone could benefit from therapy whether or not you suffer with your mental health.

I have decided that I want to be a counselor and work to end the stigma surrounding the shame.

Jillian’s Journey is a column written by junior Jillian McGuire reflecting on her high school lessons. It appears bimonthly on The Mustang Moon.