Yelaika Lopez represents what is best about our future leaders. She is on a mission to break barriers and reduce the stigma of seeking treatment for mental health issues. Stigma prevents people from accessing treatment for up to a decade, according to The National Council of Behavioral Health.
I was fortunate to meet Yelaika while she was still in high school, and I have watched her flourish as a college student. She is sharing this personal reflection to support The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
Yelaika Lopez
In honor of #nationalsuicidepreventionweek I wanted to share a picture of a tattoo I got a few months ago... there are 4 symbols incorporated that represent some of the things that I value in life.. one of them being a semicolon due to my own personal struggles with some low points in my life as well as in support and solidarity towards loved ones (and anyone) who struggle with depression.
YOU ARE NOT ALONE... every single person, whether they mention it or not, goes through some sort of depression. There will be moments in which you feel like you’re drowning with no way out.. I get that! So many times, I have felt like I’m being suffocated by everything going on around me.
So what do I do to cope? I give myself one day.. one day to cry, sulk, be wrapped up in my blankets, binge watch whatever shows or movies I want.. and then I wake up the next day ready to make a plan. Life moves on without us and the longer you take off the bigger your problems get. Step up for yourself. You are better than your situation and you deserve better! No matter how bad it gets there will always be someone else that is going through the same thing or something very similar.
If you feel alone or need someone to talk to I’m a good ear. I can’t promise to solve your problems or magically make things better but I can promise to listen and offer insight.
It gets better. ❤️❤️❤️
She sees in black and white; thinks in grays; and loves in color” — JmStorm
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