Whenever people ask me my major and I tell them psychology, usually the first thing they say is "oh are you analyzing me" or something about not making a lot of money (which for the record, is not true). I don't mind people making a light-hearted joke or asking questions, but sometimes I wish I could get more of a word in as to why I truly chose this major.
Mental Health is something I have always been passionate about. It is absolutely essential to a person's well-being. Your mind is a powerful thing, and when it is not well, it can greatly interfere with your life. I have experienced this firsthand, and I can say it is what really made me want to learn more about Psychology.
To be honest, I thought that going into Psychology would help me fix my own problems. One of the first things you come to learn is that you cannot "fix" yourself or even others for that matter. You can only acquire tools and support (or provide these to others) that will in turn help you/them in coping. And it's important to note that just because you have a mental illness, it does not mean you require fixing. This is something that is pushed on us due to the stigmatization of mental illness, especially in mainstream media.
I want to be a part of the fight against this stigma towards mental illness. I want to help people be aware of mental health and put it into a more positive light. But most of all, I want to help others who are struggling.
I know how to feels to feel powerless against your own brain. To have unwelcomed thoughts and feelings that feel as though they are consuming you. To be afraid to ask for help for fear of being judged. I want to help in providing unconditional support for people, as it is a hard battle to fight on your own.
Helping others is something that made me feel whole, even in my hardest times. I've always been a person that cares too much. It can be agonizing at times, especially when it comes to my own anxiety but I also feel like it is my greatest strength. It takes courage to careand many people shy away from it in fear of being hurt. Being a psychologist means that it is my job to care, and nothing in this world sounds better to me.
The thought of making someone feel better as well as giving them the tools to be more in control of their mental health makes me feel as though I have purpose. It makes me feel less powerless against my own struggles. I know Psychology is where I am meant to be, for the benefit of others, as well as myself.
