Mental health isn’t a trendy phrase — it has real, deep impact on people throughout their lives. From my perspective as someone who lives with PTSD, anxiety, and being neurodivergent, I work hard at my mental health every single day since I’ve entered adulthood. From childhood abuse and trauma, to struggling through systemic racism and a plethora of other isms borne from white supremacy, I advocate for my mental health in workplaces, personal relationships, and with family. This often is coded in response with grossly inaccurate words from others. Yet, I refuse to allow my mental health to return me to a place of believing I shouldn’t draw breath.