Trigger warning: mental illness, panic attacks, depression.

Editor's note: This column was submitted to the Texan by a member of the UT community.

I have a habit of remembering more than I’d like to. I remember my first panic attack in first grade. I remember the months of depression sophomore year of high school. I remember my friends sitting me down to tell me I needed to get help. I remember going on a walk with my mum, building up all my courage to say, “I think I need to see a therapist.” I remember my first time sitting on that couch, playing with Play-Doh, trying to rationalize the thoughts going through my head. I remember when I realized that mental illness does not disappear with a 45 minute therapy session every week or with a little anti-anxiety pill taken every night. I remember having a panic attack on a first date, having to explain everything when I thought I could hide it. But I also remember not wanting to hide it anymore. There are things I’d rather forget, but all of those therapy sessions, all of those talks with friends, all of those moments I kept moving forward instead of sitting down — I don’t ever want to forget.

UT’s Counseling and Mental Health Center offers a variety of resources, includings individual counseling and group workshops, to help those struggling with their mental health.