I'm a public speaker for a non-profit organization called Minding Your Mind. I speak about my story with anxiety and depression, my struggles, and how I've coped with it.
Yesterday, I spoke at a school for kids with special needs in Reading, PA. The grade levels range anywhere from elementary school to high school students with diagnoses such as ADHD, ODD, depression, anxiety, autism, etc. They had earned a banner from No Place for Hate. It was so amazing to be a part of the ceremony.
I understand that I probably wouldn't get many questions because it is difficult to ask a question about an issue you're going through in front of a room full of people. I had given the suggestion that I would go to a classroom if anyone wanted to ask me any questions. Luckily, they did!
I went into a high school age classroom in which I met a girl who had very low self esteem, was an artist, and has been through a lot in her life. I had shared 2 of my favorite uplifting, inspiring songs and it turns out that she and I had a lot in common with the types of music we like! She also shared something with me that I found so brave. She recently experienced her 1 year since self harming. I found it inspiring that she told me, a complete stranger that and in front of her teachers and classmates.
That day, I happened to be wearing my Giving Keys necklace that said "worthy." Once she had told me that, I knew that I was going to be giving away my key to her. I had the counselor bring her into the hallway and I had explained to her how strong and worthy I thought she was and I put the necklace on her. She started to cry, as did the counselor and said, "I don't know what else to say except for thank you," and she gave me a hug. I swear, it was the most heartwarming and inspiring moment of my life so far. I hope she wears that necklace knowing that someone in this world knows that she is worthy of life and she won't feel the need to self harm anymore.
-Kristen
