A Letter from the Editor

A Letter from the Editor is a Dayhouse Living Issue 2 article from Dayhouse Studio on the Issue 2 editor’s note on biophilic design for mental health. Complementary to medical care, not a substitute. Based in Salt Lake City, we share science-backed ideas for restorative living.

Dear Readers,

Mental health affects millions of people around the world, often in silence and isolation. Growing up, I experienced this firsthand, though I didn’t realize how deeply it shaped me until much later in life. The stigma surrounding mental illness in the past created a difficult environment for those affected and their families, and for me, it meant navigating a confusing reality.

For years, I was told stories about my life and my family that I later found out were shaped by my mother's schizophrenia, a condition that was never openly discussed. This created uncertainty about what parts of my past were real, but it also gave me an opportunity to rewrite my story and embrace healing.

In the journey of mental health, I’ve come to realize that we can choose which stories to carry forward. For those of you facing similar challenges, know that it's possible to let go of narratives that no longer serve you and create new ones rooted in hope, healing, and positivity.

While my personal story is unique, the struggle with mental health conditions is far from uncommon. If you are navigating these complexities, remember that you are not alone, and there are paths to understanding, healing, and reclaiming your narrative.