Women in Mental Health Who Are Influential in My Life

                  I would like to wrap up this series on influential women in mental health by highlighting women I find influential in my own life. These women include some women who have influenced not only my mental health journey, but also my life. After these women I would like to share some women I have encountered who while not personally impacting my journey, are still influential and who I look up to.

                  There are some women who have provided me with amazing mental health care. I would not be where I am without them. I would not be in a place to write this blog without them. I am not sure I would even be here without them. They are among the amazing women who contribute to the mental health field and belong among the other women I have featured in this series. These women make a difference in my life, and I am truly grateful for their healing presence. 

                  Thank you, Dr. S. You are incredible. You have changed my life and the course of my mental illness. You are there when I need support. You have restored my faith in psychiatrists by being the best. 

                  Thank you, Stephanie. You have guided me and held my hand when I didn’t know if I would make it. You have been there in my moments of crisis. You are incredible.

                  Dr. S and Stephanie, I appreciate both of you more than you will ever know.

                  Thank you, Brittany. You have kept me on the healing track and allowed me to search for my way. I appreciate you.

                  To all the techs who have been a part of both my esketamine and TMS treatments, thank you. Your work is important and healing. 

                  Thank you, Cristina. You understand the importance of mental health and support me in a way many primary care providers have not figured out. You are a reminder that mental health is a part of healthcare. I appreciate you.

                  Thank you to all the women working in mental health. You are seen and appreciated. 

                  And now for a couple women whose work inspires me to keep trying to make a difference.

                  Terry McGuire is the host of the podcast Giving Voice to Depression. As her podcast title says, Terry gives the voices of depression a place to be heard and shared. Her work has made a difference for many including me.

                  Katherine Ponte runs For Like Minds and Psych Ward Greeting Cards. These programs bring understanding to people living with mental illness. Her work inspires me to work to help others living with mental illness. 

                  Both Terry and Katherine use their lived experience to help others. Their work has influenced me, and I hope that one day I will have the reach they have achieved. 

                  I would also like to acknowledge all the women who work for NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness). Your work is healing and makes a difference. I have met too many to name all here. Please know that your work and dedication make a difference.

                  My posts this month have highlighted women who have been influential in the mental health field. I shared the work of 10 women this month in addition to the women I have shared in this post. The work of all these women has made a difference. I highlighted them during Women’s History Month, but we should recognize them all year long. This is important. Right now, people in the United States, including our current government, want to minimize or even erase the accomplishments of women. We cannot allow that to happen. I encourage you to recognize the women who make a difference in your life. Share their influence. Reach out and let them know you appreciate them. Give them a card or just say “thank you”. I chose to recognize women in mental health because this is a depression blog. Don’t let Women’s History Month end without acknowledging the amazing things women do every day. Don’t let that acknowledgment end on March 31^st. The achievements of women are not confined to one month.