For anyone who needs a listening ear

I should first clarify that this is not a post about me providing any sexual favors, but I couldn't think of a better title.

In short, I used to be a psychology major here at Stanford and one of the most important things that I have taken away from it is how prevalent mental health issues are amongst all of us.

What I would like to offer is a free listening ear, from a stranger, to you if you ever need it. I am no longer located in the Bay Area, and so I won't be able to meet up with you personally, which is probably better for you since you can feel free to hang up anytime. If you ever feel like you need to talk to someone about anything, and you don't feel like going to the Bridge - email me. I don't know you, you don't know me, you are free to say whatever is on your mind, I could give you my phone number and you are free to hang up anytime. I promise you that everything will be confidential and between us, though if you are worried you could always use a fake email address or something.

I just worry about Stanford students at times - the duck syndrome can make it seem like everyone is doing well and you are the only one who feels lonely or has problems. Or sometimes, you just need to vent your frustration or sadness out at someone or to someone, anyone who can listen to you. Maybe you feel like you have a minor problem and you don't need to go to the Bridge. Or maybe you are just uncomfortable with that idea and the stigma, for whatever reason. If you are ever down and you feel like you need to talk to someone, you are free to email me, or we could always set up a time to talk over the phone if that's easier for you. I just feel like the downside of being surrounded by so many amazing and driven people in Stanford is that you sometimes feel like you have to live up to the high standards that we set for ourselves and we see other people setting for themselves. But the truth is that all of us also have times when we doubt ourselves...in academics, social, dating, whatever or we really need that listening ear.

So email me, if you ever feel like you want someone to listen to you. I won't say anything unless you want to hear what I think about what you want to tell me. But you will most certainly have my ear, time and attention, and I promise I will read your email and take the time to reply to you as soon as I can even though I have work.