May is Mental Health Awareness Month By Ketrina Hazell

May was Mental health awareness month and we often overlook the impact of mental health on people with disabilities and youth in general.
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When I came up with the idea of Disability Champion Mentoring Network Inc it was  not only because of my educational experience and seeking change,  but for my experience as a young person   and all how my disability impacts my mental health. I wanted to create a safe space for young people like myself. 

I want to bring light to the importance of mental health. Not just in terms of a label, diagnosis, or other judgment, but also in light of a person's disability and skin color. I would love for mental health to be acknowledged because we all need support. We need that space where we can just talk to a person about their day, life, goals, and dreams—someone to simply believe in us, see us as an individual, and help us find the tools to reach our full potential. This is especially important for those with cerebral palsy dealing with depression and isolation. 
I too experienced this. My struggles with mental health are viewed 
differently because of this. Many ask what's going on with me instead of understanding the depth of my struggles. Growing up with a strong gratitude mindset as a family, I silenced the voice that told me how I should express my thoughts and emotions to others because it would be perceived as ungrateful. As a kid with a disability that requires a lot of medical procedures, it can take a toll on the family and the child's physical and mental health. 

I was only 9 years old when I had major hip surgery and had to stay in rehab on my own, but my siblings took turns on the weekends staying with me. My parents came every week in the evening. My dad had to work, so he couldn't stay with me only on his days off. 
I cried each day as I wanted them by my side, but they'd never understand what I was going through. I couldn't speak up.

I was diagnosed with scoliosis right before my  high school journey, hearing what was going on with me and the risk of what could happen with having surgery on my spine and another rehab stay alone.  My heart broke again. I stayed silent.

In high school, there were days I couldn't really write for myself, due to my anxiety, especially due to spending most of my day in a classroom the size of a closet with no windows. 
By the end of each night, I will  be emotional about everything and could not keep myself together.
I didn't tell anyone because of the perception I'll be labeled again.
In the past I viewed my emotions as me being weak before. I would l be discouraged and out of it for a few days before I begin to find my strength.

There is not  a day that I am not reminded I can't stay in those spaces for too long because it's not good for me. 

While in college, I started to live up to society's expectations, knowing that due to my disability I have to work harder to achieve my goals. 
I felt drained and overwhelmed every time.
Then another stage in my mental health was that although I started going to medical appointments on my own with my aid, I felt unsupported and alone. 
So I would just become emotional about the process and never want to go. Even when I force myself to go, I always catch myself in tears 
In these times I felt like reaching out  for help would make me weak. 
I see my emotions and thoughts as being  weak as a result.
Now I am at a different stage within my mental health. I can't explain much but one stage is celebrating my journey more.
A mental health Affirmation I wrote to find a positive way to share:

Today, reflect on the importance of mental health.

Remember you are not alone. 

Celebrate your path to success.

Celebrate those little steps.

Don't compare yourself to others. 

Be kind to yourself and others.

Today recognize those who may not have taken a traditional path to high school or college. Support whatever positive path they are on. Tell them you are proud. 

Stay focused on your goal and what makes you happy. Paths can shift and that's okay.

After graduating high school or college everyone asks what's next? That can be a trigger to some people because they are honestly just doing the best they can and need to be truly proud of the moment. 







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