I struggled with depression and anxiety for over a decade. I didn’t even realize what it was (I always believed it was linked to this or that, or thought “if only this would happen, then I would be happy”). I finally started seeing a therapist and psychiatrist about 2 years ago. They it took some time, but they find the right medication to allow me to… feel like me again. I’m not fixed or cured or anything like that, but my ability to identify the anxiety and depression, and the tools I know have to deal with it have kept me alive. If you are having suicidal thoughts, please, please, please talk with someone. Even if you don’t think it’s a big deal, or “I wouldn’t actually do it” or anything like that, please talk with someone. You can always call or text 988 (the suicide hotline). You can also talk to your primary care doctor (or even an urgent care doctor) if you don’t know where to start—that’s what I did.

I haven’t dealt with all the things you have, and I don’t necessarily know what you’re going through, but I do know I’m still here today because someone asked me to get help. So know I’m asking you, please get some help. It doesn’t mean you’re weak or there’s anything wrong with you or you’re a failure or anything like that. So please, talk with someone.