Especially during Mental Health Awareness Month, it is important to take care of yourself and get the help you need

May 7, 2026

By Olive Bautista
Staff Writer

This article is part of a two-part series in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month.

EDITOR’S NOTE: If you or a friend needs help, call the National Alliance on Mental Illness at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or text “HelpLine” to 62640. 

I was in seventh grade when I was diagnosed with severe depression. At the time, I was getting mistreated by someone I loved. My friends told me he was not a good person, but I kept reminding myself of all the good times I had with him, so I didn’t believe them. I began to change myself for him, and, in the process, I became more indecisive and unsure of myself. I told everyone that I was “fine,” but I was actually suffering inside.

Lying in my bed on the night of June 13, 2024, after attempting to end what I perceived as a mundane life, I realized that I wasn’t seeing the full picture. I would miss out on graduating from middle school, experiencing high school and going to my dream college. I wouldn’t have a family when I’m older, and I wouldn’t be able to care for and provide for them with a stable job.

Thankfully, my best friend since preschool told my parents what I did that evening after I cried to her on the phone about it. I had confided in her about how I had ingested drain cleaner and how it bubbled in my throat. 
The following afternoon, my parents picked me up early from school. I attempted to avoid them, but after about an hour, I accepted their help. They took me straight to Hackensack University Medical Center, where I stayed for three days. Then, I was transferred to a mental health facility, where I remained for a week, and spent the summer attending group therapy every weekday. Both of these experiences taught me how to cope better and think more positively about myself.

I told everyone that I was “fine,” but I was actually suffering inside.

My therapist from group therapy suggested that I start taking antidepressants, but I refused because I wanted to get better on my own. For me, that was the right choice.

It’s been almost two years since I started going to my therapist, whom I see weekly. I’m proud of the progress I have made because I no longer criticize my appearance or past actions. However, lately, I’ve been dreading these visits because I’ve found I have way less to say to her. I talk about things that bring me joy instead of the improvements I’ve already made.

Therapy has taught me that poor mental health is something that many people struggle with at some point in life. According to the Centers for Disease Control’s 2023 Youth Risk Behavior survey, 40% of U.S. high school students reported feeling constant sadness and hopelessness, 20% considered attempting suicide and 9% actually attempted.

I was not alone in how I felt, and I’m glad I got the help I needed. 

To other teens feeling the way I did, my message is this: if you think you need mental health support, seek it. In the process, you will learn so much about yourself and the world. If you enter group therapy, you will meet people with similar problems and observe how others process their feelings, which could help you better understand your emotions and continue to grow stronger every day. Healing doesn’t happen all at once, but it does happen — and choosing to get help might be the most important decision you ever make.