From Crisis to Confidence: Kate’s Mental Health Journey

My mental health journey started early. As a kid, I always knew that I was different. Diagnosed with Sensory Processing Disorder, ADHD, Anxiety, and Depression, I struggled to connect with my peers. I didn’t understand social cues, like the difference between a smile or a frown, or have the words to explain myself or what I needed. Even after I made great strides through occupational and behavioral therapy, I was bullied all throughout elementary school. All I wanted was to be good but nothing seemed to work. It all came to a head on Valentine’s Day in the third grade, when I told my mom I no longer wanted to live. I got support at Children’s Hospital Colorado in the psychiatric emergency department and outpatient clinic and, slowly, began to heal. 

I moved schools at the end of that year, made new friends, and even became class governor. All the while, I stayed open and honest about my story, leading my friends to share theirs with me. This ultimately led me to the opportunity of a lifetime: the Children’s Hospital Colorado Patient Ambassador Program.

I have had the honor of being able to share my mental health story on large platforms: talking to news outlets, speaking at events, even lobbying members of the US Congress for better mental health policies and funding. But the thing that meant the most to me was the connections I was able to make. I have heard so many beautiful, deeply personal stories about struggle and perseverance and growth from peers and adults who felt comfortable sharing stories with me because I shared mine. The ability to provide a safe space will forever be something I cherish. It also made me think about how common of an experience it is to struggle with mental health, yet it is not frequently discussed. The stigma surrounding mental health is still ever present, even after the COVID pandemic. Now, more than ever, we need to discuss mental health –  because doing so can save lives.

Throughout my mental health journey, I’ve come to terms with the fact that mental health comes in all shapes and sizes, every version equally as valid as the last, and that healing is not always linear. Growth isn’t defined by sustained ups but rather by the courage to pick yourself back up after the downs. I still struggle with my mental health but I’ve learned to make friends with the parts of myself I once wished so desperately to be free of.

I am now 17 years old, a senior in high school, the Co-Editor in Chief of my school newspaper, Treasurer of thespians club, Vice President of debate club, a director, an actor, an award winning debater, and so much more. Where I once didn’t see myself living to the fourth grade, today, I am committed to study Film at DePaul University in Chicago. As I once used my story to advocate for mental health causes, I hope that I can continue to do so throughout my career as a storyteller in film. There is nothing more powerful than a story. Stories bridge divides in ways that no other medium can. I hope that my films can be a light in the dark for those who struggle with mental health and can be a force for change in the world.

As a kid, I always knew I was different. But now I know that it isn’t a bad thing. It’s a superpower.