I have seen firsthand the effects of depression and anxiety. Personally, my mother is an amazing mom. However, she struggled with depression all my youth life. I wish I had been more educated on the matter back then. I am the daughter of immigrants and a first-generation college student; mental health was a taboo topic. To speak about such a topic was unacceptable. Had I known what I know now, I would have advocated for my mother to get proper mental health care. I was just a child back then, but remembering how things were when my mother was sick brings back memories I hope no one ever has to have. I would have done anything for her not to have gone through so much; I would have pushed other adults around me to seek professional help. I have an incredible amount of respect for my mother, she prevailed and overcame. I know that my reality is not the same for everyone, and some people have lost a loved one due to mental illness. In the name of all of those who lost a mother, father, sister, brother, and friend, I'll make sure to hug my mother a bit tighter every night.