Mental health allows me to ensure I am the best self, so that I can show up for my daughter every day. Mental health is critical to the overall well-being of my soul, and while people cannot see the mental health aspect like they would for physical health, it is crucial to maintain a healthy mental state to be able to put your best foot forward, conquer the highs and lows of life, and allow your cup to be full enough that you can show up for the people you love. My mental health suffered deeply during my pregnancy and after the birth of my daughter. My daughter was a product of a sexually abusive relationship that began when I was a minor, and while I consider my daughter the biggest blessing of my life, bringing her into the world and adjusting took a toll on my mental health. I was escaping an abusive relationship, healing from intense trauma, raising a child solo, and attending a school full-time away from family. I don't know how all of that would not take a toll on someone! I started to prioritize my mental health when I realized how my severe PTSD and generalized anxiety symptoms were affecting my time with my daughter and my studies. It was impossible for me to show up as a present mother and student (and the best version of myself) if I did not address my mental health. I sought regular intense therapy and medications for my diagnosed PTSD to start my mental healing, which made a world of difference as my mental health was able to return to baseline levels. Therapy gave me the toolkit to maintain my mental wellness long after I got my diagnoses under control. Today, I am able to approach the world with a much-increased skill set for dealing with stress due to my traumatic experiences and successfully healing from those experiences. I maintain my healthy mental state by regularly seeking outlets for stress, including physical activity, social activities with friends and family, outside/nature time, reading, and dedicated pampering 'me time.' I am able to enjoy many calming activities, such as exercise and reconnecting with nature, with my daughter, which allows me to pass onto her healthy habits to reduce stress and maintain overall well-being. I practice my faith every day and rely on my Catholic faith, especially prayer, to get me through rough patches. I have named my triggers from my trauma, know how to respond to these triggers in healthy coping mechanisms, and practice the art of gratitude to help me through those tough days. Thanks to therapy, I provide affirmations to myself when I experience feelings of anxiety and self-doubt, and I have loved teaching these habits to my daughter to build her self-worth and set her up for success in a world in which children are experiencing more negative mental health outcomes. Addressing my mental wellness was a game changer for me and will continue to play a huge role in my little family of two.