Elephants and Tea - September 2022 - 1

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Conversation
I Hope You Feel Seen
M
ental health awareness has been a huge passion of mine, even before my cancer
diagnosis. While mental health has been a common thread throughout each
of our magazine issues, I am thrilled that we have dedicated an entire issue
to this topic.
When I finished treatment, my mental health plummeted, and the stories
in this magazine are ones I could have used during that time. While
I hope that you don't experience the mental health struggles that I have,
I know how common it is within this community.
I felt so alone while in treatment, and even more so once I finished
treatment. I didn't know communities and resources like Elephants and Tea existed.
I thought I was crazy for struggling so much post-treatment, but today, as I continue
to read stories from our community, I marvel at the vulnerability of our writers and
their willingness to put all of themselves onto the page. It is the continued vulnerability
of this community that allows other AYAs to feel understood and supported through
their own mental health struggles during or after treatment.
These stories remind me that it is OK to have hard moments. It is OK to not have it all
together. It is OK to not be the " inspiration " that cancer muggles may expect you to be.
I hope these stories make you feel seen. I hope you realize how universal these feelings
can be, and I hope that brings you some comfort.
There is no shame in seeking help. See the resources below if you or a loved one is
struggling with mental health.
Like our cover story says, there is a safe space for you here. I hope that remains true
within this issue and the many issues to come.
Love and Light,
Rachel Mihalko
RACHEL MIHALKO IS THE
DIRECTOR OF CONTENT AT
ELEPHANTS AND TEA AND
IS A HODGKIN'S LYMPHOMA
SURVIVOR. SHE TREASURES
SHARING HER REFLECTIONS
WITH THE COMMUNITY,
ESPECIALLY BECAUSE WRITING
BRINGS HER PEACE AND CLARITY.
SHE LOVES THEATER, WRITING
POETRY, AND CRAFTING OF ALL
SORTS. READING HAS FUELED
HER PASSION FOR WRITING, AND
YOU WILL RARELY FIND HER
WITHOUT A BOOK ON HAND.
MENTAL
HEALTH
SUPPORT
RESOURCES
If you or someone you know has a mental illness, is struggling emotionally, or has concerns about their
mental health, see the below resources.
National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: The Lifeline
provides 24-hour, confidential support to anyone
in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. Call or text
988 to connect with a trained crisis counselor.
Visit https://988lifeline.org/ for more information.
National Institute of Mental Health:
To find a healthcare provider or mental
health treatment and more, visit
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/find-help.
For immediate
help in a crisis,
call 911 or 988.
ELEPHANTSANDTEA.COM
SEPTEMBER 2022
1

https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/find-help https://988lifeline.org/ http://www.ELEPHANTSANDTEA.COM

Elephants and Tea - September 2022

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