@YadeshaS: #triggerwarning #mentalhealth ...

#triggerwarning #mentalhealth #lawtwitter

1/ The last couple months have been extremely hard. My mind was in a dark place, and to be frank, I was almost admitted to a hospital.

2/ A myriad of factors led to the sharp decline in my #mentalhealth. I felt the collision of many forces that made me feel like I was not a good enough friend, daughter, sister, employee, etc. I thought I could disappear, and no one would care.

3/ At the end of August, things only got worse. The life I had known for the last eight years fell apart. I needed to find a new place to live on short notice, say goodbye to my beloved dog Peanut, and rebuild from what seemed to be scratch. I felt alone.

4/ But then, all the people I believed I had neglected or failed to show up for suddenly appeared in front of me. Zoom calls, phone calls, car rides, lunches, dinners, day trips away from the city. Their kindness reminded me how much there was to live for.

5/ In addition, my workplace gave me much-needed time off to collect myself.

With the support of my workplace, as well as my friends, family, counsellor, and family physician, I slowly got back on my feet.

6/ Some may say that I am oversharing. Maybe it's true. However, I also think that #mentalhealth is so important to discuss and destigmatize. And not just in the abstract.

7/ To that end, I encourage anyone on #lawtwitter, esp. law students, new calls, or young lawyers, in need of extra support to reach out. I am happy to hold space for you, and to provide a listening ear.

We can build a better legal community together.