Whenever I am asked about what I’m thankful for, I typically give the same three answers: family, friends, and my pets. This year, however, I’ve given much more thought to the question so the answer truly reflects what I am thankful for: my therapist. 

For most people, the COVID-19 pandemic was like being hit in the face with a brick. It changed  everything for us, from the course of our studies to our social lives. As an only child, during quarantine I spent considerably more time alone than I had been accustomed to. This additional alone time provided a window for my family’s mental health history to take hold of me at a time when I had very little access to the friend/peer support I was in need of.

When my parents realized that COVID was going to last for much longer than the two weeks we had initially expected, they were quick to set up online Zoom meetings with my therapist, who I’d been with since the beginning of eighth grade. She was crucial in acting as a bumper for the intense rush of emotions I was experiencing during that time. If I couldn’t count on my friends, I knew I could count on her. 

I am forever grateful for her. She was and remains the one person who is able to keep me safe and sane no matter what. She never once let me down. She never judged me. Her only intention was to be there for me no matter what and she succeeded at this perfectly. I owe everything to her for the care and guidance she gave me. She taught me so much about myself and about how to deal with the life that I am destined to carry with me forever. 

Navigating the most crucial years of my teenage life in the middle of a global pandemic was extremely challenging. Social isolation for such a long period of time required us to relearn how to live life all over again. Thankfully, my therapist had been there for me every step of the way. She continued to reassure me that everything would be okay and still is the best support system and mentor I could have asked for. 

It’s extremely important that we all have someone that we can turn to in times of crisis. I’m incredibly grateful for my therapist and for the help and support she provided me during the most critical time I have ever had to endure in my life. She gave me the best advice I could have hoped for, and in a very real sense, she has been the best possible friend.