To kick off Mental Health Awareness Month, we are starting with a Story Spotlight on the founder of The Fingerprint Project, Emily Folker. Here is her story:
“I started having feelings of depression and anxiety when I was only 12 years old. I was extremely self conscious and had body issues galore. I remember feeling guilty about my sadness because my life was so good. Family, friends, everything was fine, but my brain was not agreeing.
On the last day of 6th grade, I told my best friend about how I wanted to end my life. She, being a good person, told our guidance counselor. The counselor took me out of class and told me I should not say things like that, because I would ‘scare other kids.’ At the time, I thought this was an appropriate response, but now, that horrifies me. She did not alert my parents, the principal, or really anyone at all. I received absolutely no response for this obvious cry for help. I’m very lucky to still be here today.
Everyone wants to make a difference with their lives. For me, I want to make asking for help normal, and I want to help other know how to respond to a friend/coworker/student asking for help. Mental health is not something to be taken lightly and I want to provide as many resources as I possibly can. There’s a reason I’m still here and I plan to fulfill that.”
image id: This image is a professional photograph of Emily, a feminine presenting person. She is standing in a record shop with medium, blond hair and she is wearing a black long-sleeved shirt with a cat face design. There is black and white text over a semi-opaque green box. The text reads, “Mental Health Awareness Month” “Story Spotlight” and “Emily Folker”. /end id
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