The look on some people’s faces when I say I’m a psychology major and I want to be some sort of an art therapist/counselor shows surprise, ignorance, and misunderstanding. I know it’s niave and not intentionally offensive, yet it’s still incredibly frustrating.
“Wow. You must really like people.”
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“It takes a certain type of person to be able to handle that.”
“You don’t know what you’re getting yourself into.”
There’s a huge misconception that those who need therapy are only those with severe mental illnesses. In reality, even people just going through life transisitions like beginning to a new job or going into college need guidance in the right direction. There are also so many more things in the field of psychology than just working with people with severe illnesses. You can work with children in schools, marketing and advertising, in research labs, or in behavior analysis.
I understand what it’s like to feel alone. I know what it feels like to know you need help, but being terrified of the stigma that goes along with mental illness. There’s something about going through hard times in life that makes you want to give back to those in your shoes. When you find something you love that much, you should pursue it. No, I may not make a lot of money working in the field, however, it’s going to be the most rewarding moment when I get to observe someone come back from rock bottom.
I study psychology because I know that I have so much to give back to the field. It’s something I feel extremely passionate about, and I’m proud of that. I’m grateful that I have found something that makes going to class and learning not a chore. It’s the one thing I can be sure of wanting for my future. It’s motivation to better myself so that I can help others do the same.
