I had a very hard time being admitted into the BHU. I felt hopeless and like I was a lost cause. Kathleen helped me see that I was not hopeless and not a lost cause. I struggle with debilitating OCD, particularly with contamination.

For me to take a shower, Kathleen and I spent hours disinfecting everything and coming up with a routine I felt comfortable with. Her patience and dedication to make me as comfortable as possible meant the world to me. I cried and apologized, ashamed for even needing this help, and she just looked at me and pointed to a sticker on her badge that read "Stop the Stigma." She told me I didn’t need to apologize—she loves this job.

She reminded me that I deserve to be happy and showed me another sticker that read, " Your feelings are valid." She went above and beyond for me. Times like these save lives. I know this because she helped save mine.