In your own words tell us about an instance when you had a perplexing, confusing, or surprising experience with your own health.

As a graduate student, I struggled to find effective mental health care. Initially, I discovered that my student insurance included free coverage for therapy through HealthiestYou. Excitedly, I scheduled appointments with therapists from the site, carefully selecting those who seemed to align with my needs. Unfortunately, none of them met my expectations, leading to disappointment. Seeking alternatives, I visited a local mental clinic, only to learn that treatment would cost over $50 per hour with my insurance. This exhausting journey in search of affordable and suitable therapy left me disheartened, leading me to focus on self-recovery.I learned to be stronger, knowing that I might only have myself who could take care of my mental health.

How did this event or journey impact your day-to-day life?

If you could go back and tell your previous self something you know now about this health issue or journey what might that be?

I don't know. We need to try before we know things might not work for you.

Can you share any strategies or support that aided you in overcoming this health issue or journey, or are helping you to work through it, in terms of physical and/or mental well-being?

Talking to friends; Focusing on things that I enjoy doing; Finding motivations for life; And, sometimes. pretending bad things never happened.