This is what DEPRESSION and ANXIETY looks like.

Surprised?

It doesn’t discriminate. It can be me, your neighbor, you.

Today I’m healthy and happy and am successfully staying ahead of it. But that hasn’t always been the case.

There have been dark seasons spent in the fetal position and destructive lies filled with what if’s and all the reasons I’m not enough.

Those seasons don’t define me, but they are part of my journey from rock bottom to somewhere in between to who I’ve patiently worked really hard to become -

A SURVIVOR who is OPTIMISTIC and PASSIONATE ABOUT HOPE.

Mental health looks DIFFERENT on each of us. Some of us hide it better than others. For some it is VISIBLE and debilitating, while others battle forward thru life barely holding it all together in SECRET. There are peaks and valleys and triggers.

Why the vulnerability? I’m in a good place ... why share?

Because back in that darkness, I thought I was the only one. Today I DON’T have all the answers, but I DO have understanding and empathy.

Of this I am certain:

YOU ARE NOT ALONE.

You’re in good company. There are so many resources to help.

Reach up. Reach out.

And never, ever give up.

#mentalhealthawarenessmonth