Ever since I was young, I’ve struggled with my mental health. Although there have been moments of light, the weight of depression, loneliness, suicidal thoughts, and disordered eating has often felt relentless. I’ve learned how to smile through the pain, to convince others, and sometimes myself, that I’m okay when I wasn’t. But the truth is, mental illness doesn’t exist in isolation. It lingers in the spaces between people, affecting not just me, but those who care about me, leaving behind worry, fear, and uncertainty about whether I’d still be here the next day. Despite these hardships, I’ve chosen not to let them define me in a negative light. Instead, I’ve used my experience to fuel something greater. I’ve built a platform, a blog where I share poetry, interviews, and tips for nurturing a healthy mind and spirit. Through it, I try to lift others, offering a sense of connection and hope to those who may feel as alone as I once did. My journey has reshaped how I interact with the world. I encourage my friends to speak openly about their struggles, reminding them that vulnerability is not weakness, it’s courage. I try to make others feel seen, safe, and valued. I reach out to strangers, lend a hand where I can, and listen with compassion. These aren’t just habits, they’re the foundation of the person I’ve become. Most of all, my experience has taught me that society often tries to silence our pain, to dismiss it as weakness, when in fact it is what shapes us, strengthens us, and connects us. I’ve learned not to judge others without understanding their story. I’ve learned that behind every reaction is a reason, and behind every person is a struggle we may never see. We all need a shoulder to lean on, and I’m determined to be that for others.