Sharing Flourish Stories
Chase’s Experience in Sharing Her Flourish Story
On May 2, the Flourish Stories exhibit was unveiled at the Flourish Together Kick-Off Event. This exhibit is meant to communicate the raw experience of not only what it is like to be a student at Stanford, but notably one who has grappled with their mental health as well. These stories convey the struggles that we often face but may not disclose to others, such as issues with self-esteem, anxiety, depression, impostor syndrome, and more. In my eyes, these stories are meant to humanize those around us, reminding us that we are a lot more similar to one another than we might initially realize. Most importantly, though, Flourish Stories is meant to destigmatize mental health struggles both on the Stanford campus and in our world. Hearing these stories can remind us that it’s okay to admit that we are not okay, and further, to ask for help when we are struggling. Asking for help does not make us weak, but rather, it makes us so immensely strong!
As someone who has struggled with my mental health during my time at Stanford, sharing my story with The Flourish felt like a fantastic and freeing way to notice how far I've come. Just quarters ago, I felt like an entirely different version of myself. I am proud to be able to say that I’ve asked for help, implemented wellness practices, and even shared my story with others since then. While it’s been a long, winding journey to finally flourish, I wouldn’t change my path for the world. Flourishing, in my eyes, is being able to feel joy, spread joy, and consciously seek joy each day. As I now cherish the first feeling of sunlight on my skin in the morning and the warmth of a towel after a shower, I am happy to say that I flourish each day. Each person’s definition of flourishing may be different, but at the end of the day, as long as you feel like yourself, that’s what matters most!
I hope that a student can read my Flourish Story and immediately feel less alone. I want students to recognize that they are never truly alone on our campus. There is more than likely someone out there who feels the same way that you do. You should never be afraid to express how you’re feeling. Our aim in publishing Flourish Stories is to help you find connection through other students' mental health journeys and help you realize that you are not alone, as well as foster support for our community. With that being said, let’s continue to #flourishtogether!
Missed the displays at the Flourish Together Kick-Off Event? Be on the lookout for them across campus. They will be displayed at various locations around campus throughout the month of May.
Written by: Chase Klavon, Class of 2025
Flourish Stories
We are honored to present the stories of Stanford students who have courageously shared their experiences on finding hope, healing, resilience, and joy through their mental health journeys.
Resources
Stanford Resources
- Flourish Together This May! Learn more about the Flourish Together movement and how it all started with the help of Student Affairs, Univerisity Communications, and the VPSA Mental Health and Well-Being interns.
- Subscribe to The Flourish! Stay up-to-date with the latest wellness tips, advice from well-being staff, programs, groups, and workshops, resources available to you, and all things to help you flourish!
- Counseling and Psychological Services: CAPS offers individual visits, skills workshops, process groups, psychiatry services, community referral resources, 24/7 support, and crisis intervention. Get support today.
- Well-Being Coaching: A Well-Being coach can help you cultivate the internal and external resources to live a healthy, vibrant life, manage stress, shift your beliefs and behaviors, and form meaningful connections with others. Book a session today.
- The Bridge Peer Counseling Center: Your peers may be a good first step to sharing your struggles and identifying what support you may need. The Bridge offers anonymous peer counseling by trained students in person and by phone (24/7 support for phone calls). Call 650.723.3392.
- Mental Health Resources at Stanford: As you read your fellow students’ stories, reflect on how far you have come in your own mental health journey and what you have realized about yourself along the way. Remember that you are not alone and there are resources at Stanford ready to support you.
- Helping You Flourish on the Farm: From medical services to counseling, substance use programs and education to wellness courses, (and more!), this site is your one-stop shop for taking care of your physical and mental health and well-being. Begin exploring resources that are eager and ready to help you flourish!