I didn’t know it was World Mental Health Day on October 10th until I got an email from Maybelline. I’m glad I was informed of this day because awareness about mental health is so critical in this world’s society. Let’s make sure to Treat People With Kindness, as sung by Harry Styles!

The state of mental health looks different for everybody. You never know what someone is going through just by their looks. An example would be “high-functioning anxiety”, where someone looks like they got everything together, but deep down there’s a battlefield of a battle going on inside their head. They could be doing well in their studies or work, have a great fashion sense, and have close relationships with family and friends. What others cannot see are their thoughts. Nobody is a mind reader, but taking the time to ask someone how they are feeling and genuinely caring to listen to them will make a difference.

My personal journey dealing with my mental health hasn’t always been easy. The first time I really admitted to being sad and stressed was when I went for a routine check-up at a Doctor’s appointment in 2015. When she asked me how I was doing, I told her I was stressed and sad sometimes. I’m tired and don’t have the energy to do things. Of course, being a college student at that time factors in stress as students are so busy trying to pass courses, get internships, and please others while trying to get an earning. I didn’t know my doctor was screening me for depression until she handed me a printed summary of the check-up’s outcomes. At times, I think back and wonder if I hadn’t mentioned my true negative feelings, would she have reported “depression screening” in the document? However, she did advise me to speak to my college counselor if I ever felt stressed, sad, or needed someone to talk to since I was living on campus.

That was the last time I ever talked to a medical professional about my mental health. I thought I could take care of it myself. Soon, I felt completely lost so I knew I had to make a better effort for it. During a break in between classes, I walked over to the health center. It was quiet and had a cozy inviting feeling with comfy couches in the waiting area. I walked up to the front desk and behind was bare. There was a sign that they went away and will be back soon. I assume they were also on their lunch break. The room was empty. I sat on a couch and waited a few minutes, but I was anxious. “I need to go. I’m running out of time. I have things to do. I’ll wait ten minutes and if they are not back yet, then I leave. This must be a sign. Maybe it’s not meant to be. Maybe I can handle it myself. I’ll come back another time,” my mind spiraled. I walked out without seeing anyone and I have never told anyone about that occurrence. I went back to my place and continued with my schedule.

So how did I overcome those stressful days as a college student? I persevered by writing myself notes reminding myself that everything was going to be okay. I had to be my own cheerleader and come up with solutions to why I was feeling the way I was. I faintly ease my mind by making realistic plans to get out of stressful situations.

I felt a huge boulder lift off of my shoulders during the last few months of my senior year. I was on my way out into the real world, another chapter to look forward to. Albeit, it was also a challenge. Ultimately, I became happy because after I graduated, I moved to South Korea to teach English. I eventually became blessed with a kind and trustworthy workplace. My goal of living abroad and traveling to different countries was coming true. I was finally happy.

My favorite part about traveling is admiring various architecture, food, culture, and people. When I am in a place that is different from my hometown, I feel this sense of new discovery and curiosity. I will say that traveling and living alone has made me learn more about myself and how to deal with different people and situations. I only have myself to count on and make decisions. Nevertheless, there is absolutely nothing wrong with asking for help. This is something that I always hated doing as I always wanted to be capable and independent.

The moment that I felt some kind of revelation was when I spontaneously stayed overnight near Mount Fuji. It was unexpected and it was an emotion that I have never felt before. The hostel that I booked the day of was hosting fireworks and I couldn’t believe I was there the night that it was happening. Everything just felt right and aligned in my life. The fireworks and music were spectacular. It was that exact moment when I felt an emerging amount of happiness.

Every time I travel, my mind is relieved of stress from work and any mundane tasks. Solo traveling puts you in a mindset where you are free to make your own decisions. It is like a test of how responsible you are. You learn about what you like and dislike.

I know that not everyone is able to travel due to physical health issues or financial reasons. I find that watching travel vlogs, documentaries, food videos, and any media that shows a different place than mine, really entertains my mind. If you can, why not get out of your comfort zone and learn something new? There is so much to learn about the world.

Sincerely,
Amy♡

*Disclaimer: I am NOT a mental health professional. Just a traveler and creative soul who thinks mental health should be better understood just like physical health. If you or someone you know is suffering from any symptoms of depression or anxiety, or have any severe negative thoughts, please seek professional help. The U.S government provides one-stop access to information on mental health at mentalhealth.gov.

Maybelline has partnered with several organizations to provide you with help. I will list them below to help you as well:

• The Jed Foundation (JED) is a nonprofit that protects American teens and young adults from emotional health and prevents any harm to themselves.
• Crisis Text Line (USA) offers free 24/7 support by connecting you with a Crisis Counselor via text.
• Crisis Text Line (International) has affiliates that you can text that also offer free 24/7 support.
• The Trevor Project helps LGBTQ young people with support and information 24/7.

I’m not sponsored by Maybelline.