Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Shayla Bergeron. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Shayla , 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.
I was diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) at a very young age, and I’ve been in therapy throughout most of my life. While therapy has played a consistent role in helping me manage my mental health, what truly helped me begin to overcome some of the hardest moments was the strong support network I’ve been fortunate to have around me, especially my friends and family.
No matter how heavy things felt, I always had someone I could call. My friends and I made time for each other, even if it was something as simple as driving to get Cook Out and talking in the parking lot. These moments of connection reminded me that I wasn’t alone, and that made all the difference.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’m a Psychology major with a Sociology minor at NC State, and I work as a Behavioral Technician, mostly with kids who have autism. Mental health has always been a big part of my life.
Outside of school and work, I’m the Vice President of Donations for Lyric’s Loft, a nonprofit that helps children with autism. I organize clothing drives, build partnerships with clinics across North Carolina, and help make sure families get the resources they need. It’s been one of the most rewarding things I’ve done.
What I love most about my work is the people. Whether it’s seeing a client make progress, talking with a parent, or handing out clothes to someone who needs them, those personal moments remind me why I do this.
Right now, I’m focused on learning as much as I can and gaining experience in the mental health field. In the future, I hope to go to grad school and become a licensed therapist so I can keep helping people on a deeper level.
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?
Looking back, I’d say the three most impactful things in my journey so far have been building strong relationships, being adaptable, and developing a solid understanding of behavioral psychology. No matter where I was, whether working as a Behavioral Technician, leading donation efforts at Lyric’s Loft, or even serving tables, I’ve found that forming genuine connections with people made all the difference. It helped me build trust with clients, coworkers, and community partners, and that trust opened doors and made teamwork much easier.
Adaptability has also been huge for me. I’ve worn a lot of different hats over the past few years, and being able to shift gears quickly, whether it’s adjusting to a new environment, client needs, or unexpected changes, has helped me stay grounded and effective in whatever role I’m in. Lastly, studying psychology and working directly with children with autism gave me a deeper understanding of behavior, which not only helped me support clients better but also made me more thoughtful and patient in everyday life.
For anyone just starting out, my advice would be to say yes to opportunities, even if they feel outside your comfort zone. Take time to listen to people, learn from them, and always stay open to growing. And if you’re interested in psychology or any people-centered field, try to get real hands-on experience early. It teaches you so much more than a textbook ever could.
What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?
The biggest challenge I’m facing right now is time management. I’m juggling a lot between being a full-time college student, working as a Behavioral Technician, being the Vice President of Donations at Lyric’s Loft, helping in a research lab, having an internship, and being involved in Omega Phi Alpha, which is a service sorority. It’s been really hard to find time not just for school and work, but also for myself, my friends, and my family.
To deal with it, I’ve started using a planner to keep track of everything and plan out my days better. I’m trying to set aside specific times for work, school, and personal stuff so I don’t get too overwhelmed. I’m also learning to say no to things when I need to and reminding myself that taking care of myself and spending time with loved ones is just as important as getting things done. It’s not easy, but I’m working on finding a better balance.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lyricsloft.net/
- Instagram: Shayla_alexis2
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