Faith has not always been something I spoke about openly, but during the most painful moments of my life, it became the quiet strength that helped me endure. Growing up in a household marked by verbal abuse and emotional distance, I learned early on to bury my feelings. I felt unable to turn to my parents for emotional support, fearing disappointment or anger instead of understanding. Even among my older siblings, I often felt invisible and unwanted. In that silence, faith became one of the few places where I felt seen and comforted. The greatest challenge I faced came when my older brother attempted to take his own life. That moment shattered my sense of safety and forced me to confront fear, grief, and confusion all at once. I was young and didn’t fully understand mental health or how to process trauma, but I knew I needed something to hold onto. I remember relying on prayer, not because I had all the answers, but because I needed strength beyond my own. I prayed for my brother’s survival, for peace within my family, and for guidance during a time when everything felt uncertain. My faith grounded me when my emotions felt overwhelming. Following that experience, my family began attending therapy together. Sitting in those sessions was emotionally intense, especially at such a young age. Hearing unspoken pain finally voiced forced me to face realities I had long tried to ignore. During this process, my faith helped me remain hopeful. It taught me patience and trust. I had to trust that healing takes time, and that progress does not always come in visible or immediate ways. Faith reminded me that growth often comes through discomfort and that facing pain is a necessary step toward healing. Through faith, I also learned the importance of forgiveness. This did not mean excusing harmful behavior or forgetting the pain I experienced but choosing not to let bitterness define me. Faith helped me understand that forgiveness is an ongoing process and a form of emotional freedom. It allowed me to release anger and make space for compassion, both for others and for myself. Relying on my faith taught me that vulnerability is not a weakness. During moments when I felt unseen or emotionally isolated, faith reassured me that my life had purpose and value. It encouraged me to face my struggles honestly and believe that my experiences could one day help others. Instead of allowing trauma to harden me, faith softened my perspective and strengthened my empathy. Today, my faith continues to guide how I approach challenges and relationships. It has shaped my desire to support individuals who feel isolated, misunderstood, or silenced by their circumstances. I strive to be patient, empathetic, and present, believing that genuine connection can be a powerful source of healing. My faith has taught me to lead with compassion and to recognize the strength it takes to ask for help. Relying on my faith did not remove the hardships I faced, but it gave me the resilience to move forward. It carried me through family trauma, emotional pain, and moments of deep uncertainty. Through faith, I learned that even in the darkest seasons, growth, healing, and purpose are possible.

Mental health is often misunderstood especially in families like mine where pain is kept quiet and emotions are buried beneath survival. Growing up, I faced a childhood shadowed by verbal abuse from my parents. Their harsh words cut deeper than I ever thought possible. Because of how they treated me, I felt like I couldn’t talk to them about anything, not then, and even now, that distance remains. It was as if sharing my struggles would only bring more disappointment or anger so I learned to stay silent. Even my two older siblings who I looked up to, made me feel like I was unwanted or invisible. Feeling isolated and unseen at such a young age shaped my earliest understanding of loneliness and despair. There were many days when I felt completely alone, as if I had no one to turn to, not even family. But nothing impacted me more profoundly than the day my older brother attempted to take his own life. Witnessing that moment shattered my world and forced my family and me to confront pain we had long tried to ignore. Afterward, we began going to therapy together to support him and heal as a family. I was so young then, and sitting in those therapy sessions was overwhelming. It was hard to process the raw emotions in the room. The fear, the sadness, and the hope all together. At the same time, those sessions opened my eyes to how mental health struggles affect not just the individual, but everyone around them. It was the first time I realized healing required openness and effort from all of us. Therapy was challenging, but it became a lifeline. It gave me the tools to understand my own emotions and trauma, to forgive myself and others, and to start building healthier relationships. It also revealed the truth I had long denied, that mental health is not a weakness but a vital part of well being that needs care and attention. My experience with mental health has deeply shaped my goals. I want to pursue a career where I can support others facing similar struggles especially young people who feel isolated and misunderstood like I once did. I am passionate about creating safe spaces and advocating for mental health awareness, breaking down the stigma that keeps many from seeking help. In my relationships, I strive to be patient, empathetic, and authentic. Knowing what it feels like to be unseen, I am intentional about truly listening and being present for others. I recognize the power of connection and the healing it can bring. Finally, my understanding of the world has grown more compassionate and complex. I see how mental health challenges are often invisible battles fought in silence, influenced by trauma, family dynamics, and societal pressures. I believe that addressing mental health openly can transform communities and foster resilience. Though my journey has been difficult, it has made me stronger and more determined. Mental health is not just a personal challenge, it is a collective one. By sharing my story and advocating for awareness, I hope to inspire others to seek help, build meaningful connections, and approach the world with greater understanding and kindness.