You are not alone.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time dedicated to breaking the silence and stigma surrounding mental illness. It’s a powerful opportunity to speak openly, support one another, and remind ourselves that mental health is just as important as physical health.
Here’s a truth that may hit close to home: 1 in 4 people live with a mental illness.
That means it's not just “someone out there.” It’s your best friend, your coworker, your partner, your sibling… it might even be you.
For me, mental health is not just a cause I care about—it’s personal. I’ve lived it.
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My Journey with Mental Illness:
Mental illness has been a very real part of my story—and not just in passing. I’ve lived through the complexities of anorexia, bipolar disorder, and anxiety. Each chapter of this journey has challenged me, shaped me, and taught me more about what it means to fight for your well-being.
Anorexia was one of the first signs that something deeper was going on—what started as a desire for control and perfection spiraled into something that nearly took over my life. It wasn’t just about food or weight; it was about pain, fear, and trying to cope in a world that felt overwhelming.
Later came my diagnosis with bipolar disorder. I didn’t fully understand what was happening when I entered a manic episode, followed by psychosis. It was terrifying and disorienting to lose touch with reality and to feel like I couldn’t trust my own mind. Bipolar disorder is often misunderstood and stigmatized, but for me, naming it was a turning point. It allowed me to begin a path of treatment, management, and grace for myself.
Anxiety has been a steady undercurrent through it all—sometimes loud, sometimes quiet, but always present in one way or another. Learning how to navigate anxiety, recognize triggers, and create calming practices has been an ongoing process.
My journey hasn’t been neat or linear. It’s been messy, raw, and deeply human. But what I’ve learned is that healing is not about erasing the hard parts—it’s about learning how to live with them, to grow through them, and to know that I am not defined by my diagnoses.
How I Take Care of My Mental Health Today:
Over time, I’ve discovered that healing isn’t one-size-fits-all. What works for me may look different from what works for someone else—but these practices have become my anchors, helping me feel grounded and more in tune with myself:
Breathwork: Conscious breathing helps me regulate my nervous system, especially when anxiety creeps in or I feel overstimulated. It's a powerful way to reset and come back to the present moment.
Meditation: Taking even a few minutes each day to quiet my mind has helped me create space between my thoughts and my reactions. It reminds me that I am not my emotions—I am the observer.
Being Creative: Whether I’m filming, writing, or capturing stories through my camera, creative expression has been one of the most healing parts of my journey. It’s where I feel most free and most myself.
Exercise: Moving my body, whether through walking, strength training, or stretching, is not about changing how I look—it's about reconnecting with how I feel. Movement has become a form of medicine for my mind.
These tools don’t “fix” everything, but they help me feel empowered and supported on the hard days. Mental health care is a daily practice—and one I now treat with the care it deserves.
You are Not Alone.
If you’re struggling right now, please know this: you are not alone, and your feelings are valid. Mental health looks different for everyone, but what remains constant is that healing is possible.
It’s okay to not be okay. And it’s also okay to ask for help, to take a break, to prioritize your well-being without apology.
This month, and every month, I’m committed to using my voice to normalize these conversations—to make space for truth, healing, and hope.
Let’s continue to check on one another, share our stories, and build a world where mental health is treated with the care and respect it deserves.
With compassion,
Brescia Dover
Founder, The Checkered Jaguar