Watch: Floral Park Resident Opens Up About Mental Health Struggles

FLORAL PARK, NY — A Floral Park resident is $1,500 richer for turning her mental health challenges into an award-winning piece of writing.

Phoenix Wang, a guest on the "Patch Weekly Spotlight," talks candidly about the personal journey and how hopes the experiences can make a difference.

"Often times, I think about what I go through with my mental health is isolating and sometimes I don't see a reflection of it in the outside world," Wang told Patch.

She found writing for the American Association of Suicidology competition as a cathartic exercise for her. But the idea of the powerful words being read by others was "humbling."

Amid the holiday season, which can be a difficult time for people who are suffering from mental health concerns, Wang said it's most important to have a support staff in place.

"Find someone you trust and share with them," Wang said. "If I knew there was one person I could open up to, and felt received by, then they'll help you take on those next steps."

Wang said those steps include having a structure by trying to eliminate as much idle time as possible.

If you are having emotional distress or a suicidal crisis, please call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline 24 hours a day at 988 or the website at: 988lifeline.org.

Watch the full Patch Weekly Spotlight interview with Phoenix Wang below.