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Beginning therapy can appear to be a daunting task that require a push to get started.

For Miranda Edwards, that push was realizing the trauma she endured in her childhood was affecting her relationships as an adult.

“I had big trust issues and because my trust was broken at a young age, I was holding on to anger toward my mom. I felt like she didn’t protect me as a child and like everyone I came in contact with didn’t show me love and appreciation the way I felt they should — it cost me a marriage and many friendships,” Edwards said.

“That final push came when I decided I couldn’t continue letting what my mom allowed to happen to me affect me and hurting people because I was hurt.”

May is National Mental Health Awareness Month and Edwards was willing to share her story, hoping that others would be motivated to seek therapy to help overcome issues they might be trying to deal with internally.

“I’ve talked to a lot of women who have dealt with the same thing I did in my past,” Edwards said.

“They were scared to speak out about it — I was too because of my assault at a young age. If that is something in anyone’s past, and they’re holding on to it and don’t want to talk about it, it’s very important to talk about it so you can put it behind you and make the steps to reclaim your life,” Edwards said.

She said Samantha Thomaston, owner of SLT Counseling Services, has helped her build her self-confidence and given her resources to help build a positive mindset.

“Since starting therapy, I have learned to be more in control in situations. It has also helped me be more calm, forgive and socialize more,” Edwards said.

“I learned that it is OK to say no and that it’s OK to put myself first.”

Thomaston encourages people in the community to try therapy for themselves.

“Many people in my community feel like therapy is a no-go and that it won’t help. But I feel like if you don’t go talk to someone about those issues, you’re going to keep holding them in and it’s going to make you feel worse — that’s what was going on with me. So, go do it and give yourself an opportunity to become a better version of yourself,” Edwards said.