REXBURG — This mortal life brings with it challenges of all kinds. Some challenges are easier to see and recognize than others. Mental health is one such challenge that can be harder to see and address.
BYU-Idaho student, Chloey Hall, is one of the millions around the world who face mental health struggles each day.
“When I was nine years old, I was diagnosed with severe anxiety. And with that comes depression because they're homies,” Hall said. “It was really hard because when you're nine, you just want to be a kid and have fun, not stress.”
With that diagnosis came the additional challenge of being understood by family because no one in her family had dealt with these challenges before. Hall wants others to know that there is no shame in struggling with their mental health.
“There's no shame in having mental illness or any illness, and literally my biggest motto, which helps me to feel comfortable existing,” Hall said.
At her lowest point, Hall said she struggled with suicidal ideation from the ages of 11 to 14.
“I just really didn't want to be on Earth anymore,” Hall said. “It just didn't feel worth it. I was like, every single thing I did messed up everything because I was that child in my family, the problem child, the reason my parents went gray so fast.”
Hall credits the promptings of the Holy Ghost with saving her life and pulling her out of her darkest moment.
“When I was 14, the Holy Ghost told me to stay because I think that day was particularly hard,” Hall said. “I was like, ‘Fine, then give me a reason. Like, I trust you, but give me a reason.’ Because I was like, I'm done. This path I'm on. I was like, it feels like a dead end. I need some more path.”
The path that Heavenly Father provided her was service. She became her father’s, then, home teaching companion. The pair was assigned to a farming family in their ward. Hall says that being able to work with farm animals was a blessing.
“Just being able to see the light in animals’ eyes and being able to help them, and them be grateful for you helping them,” Hall said. “Just ministering with animals and ministering with people, and just being able to talk and serve them.”
Along with service, Hall points to the continued support of friends and professors on campus as helping her to persevere.
To those who are struggling with mental illnesses of their own, Hall says to keep going and don’t give up.
“Find someone to talk to and do not give up,” Hall said. “Do not give up on yourselves. Do not give up on your mental health. I don't care how many people tell you it's not real or it doesn't matter. Fight for yourself. And if you can't fight for yourself, ask someone to fight for you because you matter.”
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health challenges and/or suicidal thoughts, help is always available. Students can visit the campus Counseling Center for help. Help is also available via phone by calling the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service’s national hotline at 1-800-662-4357. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can also be reached by dialing 988.