“It’s ok to not be ok.” We’ve read it. We’ve seen the quote on Pinterest. We’ve shared it on Instagram. But do we actually accept and believe it?
Mental health is of great concern, especially during these unprecedented times. Anxiety is high while uncertainty is even higher. But one thing is for sure: your mental health is more important now than ever.
Kendra Miguez, CEO and Founder of Colorado Women’s Center, is seeing so many women struggling with the current way of life. Whether it’s juggling work and kids, or whether it’s fighting depression and anxiety; it all creates a lack of stability in an already unstable world.
“I think acceptance of the moment is key for mental health. We cannot look too far ahead or we will live in a state of anxiety. One step at a time is how we get to our destination,” Miguez says. “My advice to women who are struggling during these difficult times is to seek out support. Whether it’s a friend, a loved one or a therapist, it is essential to ask for help!”
Miguez is no stranger to these feelings. Colorado Women’s Center would not be what it is today without her own journey of facing extreme adversity.
“At one point in my life, mistakes and failure was all that I knew,” she says.
Miguez left home at an early age, struggling to find herself while making her way through numerous cities: New York City, Chicago, and Denver. She was lost.
“One poor decision after another, I soon found myself alone, single and a mother,” Miguez says. “With an infant, little resources and limited support, I was faced with a steep climb. I knew if my son and I were going to survive, I had no choice but to climb. So, I set off on a solo journey with a baby in tow and one step at a time, we started our elevation.”
Miguez found herself climbing higher and higher, earning two master’s degrees in psychology within four years, all while raising a child on her own. With a 4-year-old at her side, she graduated from her second graduate program. She learned to defy the stigmas that surrounded her.
“This is the source and the glue that Colorado Women’s Center is built upon. Every location represents a place for women to find their innate strength. To use life challenges as a way to develop and grow,” Miguez says.
At each of the three Colorado Women’s Center locations, black and white photos of powerful women line the halls. From Rosa Parks and Amelia Earhart, to Oprah Winfrey and Laverne Cox, the women on the wall have been chosen for their willingness to make life what they choose, not what someone else dictates for them.
“This is the type of strength that we at Colorado Women’s Center are passionate about helping every female who walks through our doors discover,” Miguez says. “We all have an Oprah inside of us, but we also all need help accessing it. None of us is on this journey alone. Empowerment and healing happens in relationships. And Colorado Women’s Center has the most gifted therapists who build connections and help to carry out our mission.”
Today, women face stigmas every day. Conflicting messages from society meant to influence a woman’s life—how she should think, speak and look. Many women struggle deciphering these messages, which lead to feelings of self-doubt and unworthiness. The Colorado Women’s Center is here to lift women up and away from the loud criticism of society.
“This is the time for women!," Miguez says. "We are finding our voices and making ourselves heard. We are coming together and viewing each other as allies, not threats. We are supporting the rise of other women, because we know that her success represents the brilliance that we are made of. Our togetherness is power!”
But the key to collectively rising together starts with self-respect and self-care.
“Self-care is the most important and selfless act of service one can provide. We truly cannot love others until we learn to love ourselves,” she says.
For more information on mental health and Colorado Women’s Center, please visit https://www.coloradowomenscenter.com/.
“Self-care is the most important and selfless act of service one can provide. We truly can not love others until we learn to love ourselves,” says Kendra.
