I grew up in a loving, God-fearing home, yet silently battled anxiety and a lack of emotional regulation. Though I was surrounded by faith, mental health wasn’t something openly talked about and that silence followed me into adulthood. I poured into every role wife, mom, teacher, leader without realizing I was running on empty.

It wasn’t until my marriage hit rock bottom that I realized I couldn’t keep surviving this way. Through Christian therapy, support groups, and a lot of prayer, I learned to stop striving and start healing. My husband and I are now both on our healing journeys, rebuilding our marriage with God at the center.

 

Now, as Mrs. Hawaii United USA, I want to use my voice and platform to break the stigma surrounding mental health especially in communities of faith and remind others that asking for help is not a sign of weakness, but strength. Mental health is not something to be ashamed of; it’s something we all carry in different ways. My hope is to bring light and encouragement to others to remind them that even in our valleys, there are still flowers. Even in the chaos, God is still at work.

 

Today, as an early childhood educator and advocate for children’s mental health, I’m committed to helping others see that healing is possible and it begins with giving yourself permission to care for your own heart first.