Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Megan Garcia. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Megan, we are so appreciative of you taking the time to open up about the extremely important, albeit personal, topic of mental health. Can you talk to us about your journey and how you were able to overcome the challenges related to mental issues? For readers, please note this is not medical advice, we are not doctors, you should always consult professionals for advice and that this is merely one person sharing their story and experience.
As a mom I constantly had multiple tabs open in my brain — kids, marriage, household, work, friends, other responsibilities — and I didn’t know what to do. My own needs didn’t even register on that list. I was frustrated and sad and lonely and guilt-ridden. When I finally talked to a provider and was formally diagnosed with anxiety, depression, and OCD, everything started to click. I had been struggling with these things since childhood, but I wasn’t formally diagnosed until after I became a mom. I work hard to maintain this with medication, therapy, and support from my family, friends, and faith. While I’m not magically cured and it hasn’t been a walk in the park, this support has made a huge difference.
These experiences have fueled my passion for psychology, leading me to pursue a bachelor’s and master’s degree. Now, as I work towards a doctorate in IO psychology, I enjoy helping others overcome their mental health struggles, navigate burnout, and identify their purpose to reach their full potential. My journey has taught me resilience and the importance of supporting others, and I’m committed to using my experiences to make a positive impact in the lives of others.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
My journey began as an adopted child from Vietnam, growing up in Milwaukee. Now, I’m blessed with an amazing husband, two kids under 3, and a miniature zoo of 2 dogs and 3 cats. Facing personal mental health challenges since childhood, observing the effects of mental health and suicide on my family and close friends, and caregiving for my own mom since a young age have fueled my passion for mental health advocacy.
Driven by this passion, I pursued a career in psychology and am currently working towards a PhD. I currently work as a case manager for adults with physical, mental, and cognitive disabilities. My favorite part about this role is connecting with new clients, learning their stories, and figuring out how I can help meet their needs. They become like a second family when you work that closely and spend so much time together. I try to advocate for my clients the same way I would for my own grandma or parent.
What excites me most about my work is the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. I’m passionate about addressing mental health care and burnout in emotionally charged fields and helping companies create supportive work environments where employees can thrive.
Additionally, I have a background in anti-human trafficking advocacy and volunteer work, further fueling my commitment to social justice and supporting vulnerable populations. Through my journey and professional pursuits, I aim to empower individuals, improve workplace well-being, and foster positive change in both personal and professional realms.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Reflecting on my journey, three qualities that have been most impactful are resilience, empathy, and a growth mindset. My own mental health challenges especially anxiety and depression have made me more sympathetic to vulnerable populations, deepening my capacity for empathy. Resilience has allowed me to overcome challenges and setbacks, while empathy has enabled me to connect deeply with others and understand their experiences. Additionally, maintaining a growth mindset, instilled in me by my dad’s belief in unlimited potential, has encouraged me to continuously learn and grow. These skills have proven helpful on a personal note as a wife and mom as well as professionally.
For those early in their journey, my advice is to cultivate resilience by embracing setbacks as opportunities for growth. Develop empathy by actively listening to others and seeking to understand their perspectives, especially those of vulnerable populations. Lastly, adopt a growth mindset by approaching challenges with curiosity and a willingness to learn. Remember that everyone has unlimited potential, and with determination and an open mind, you can achieve remarkable things.
What would you advise – going all in on your strengths or investing on areas where you aren’t as strong to be more well-rounded?
Finding a balance between leveraging our strengths and addressing areas for growth is essential for personal development. I’ve realized the importance of embracing my mental health, removing stigma, and seeing mental health with the same importance as physical health. I stopped seeing my mental health as a negative and accepted it as just another part of me. This shift has made me a better wife, mom, and advocate.
I try to have open conversations about mental health and how it’s okay to have these diagnoses. While I witnessed mental health firsthand, it wasn’t openly talked about and I wish it had been. I believe this discussion would have made a huge difference in my life, and now I hope I can help others by having this conversation. Embracing strengths allows us to shine, but neglecting weaknesses hinders growth. Being well-rounded fosters adaptability and resilience, crucial for life’s challenges. By embracing both strengths and areas for growth, we become more versatile individuals. Ultimately, investing in areas of growth promotes personal development, leading to a more fulfilling life while also enhancing mental flexibility, resilience, and well-being.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected] | (262) 623-1727
- Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/megan-garcia-a596692b2
Image Credits
Studio 29 Photography: foto-29.com
