Going to sleep and never waking up. For a long time that was my only aspiration. Mental illness is something I have struggled with in my life. I am really proud of the progress I have made to improve my mental health, and even though it is still something I can struggle with today. I have coping skills that help me manage my life one day at a time. I feel like the hardest step with improving mental health is reaching out, and more so believing that you deserve the help. Instead of reaching out to my loved ones, I shut them out. It wasn’t until I read the book No Longer Human, did so realize I wasn’t alone. The book had perfectly epitomized the feelings of loneliness and hurt that had dwelled in my heart for so long. I finally found enough courage to ask for help after I realized even fictional characters in novels, taking place across the world could feel just like me. Therapy had helped me greatly through my battle with mental illness. Coping and communication skills are all things I have learned while in therapy. However I have also learned there is no shame in finding help and nobody deserves to feel like their existence is pointless. Everyone deserves to feel like they belong in this world. A huge part of why I went to therapy is my gynecologist. She referred me to my therapist when I had finally opened up to her about how I felt. She had inspired me to work in the healthcare field as well. I really hope to become the positive role model that she was to me in another child’s life. Currently my educational aspirations are based around my goal of working in the medical field. I plan to attend Montana State University and major in chemical engineering. Upon graduating I hope to attend medical school to become a gynecologist or pediatrician myself at the Sidney Health Center. After knowing these coping skills and knowing how it feels to be alone, I really push for all my friends and family members to communicate how they feel. I feel like even though some conversations are difficult to have they are important and healthy to discuss. Today, I still struggle with mental health. But now I take my life day by day and if I ever feel depressed or anxious I talk about it. The best thing I have ever learned to do is talk about how I feel. My loved ones are more than happy to listen to how I feel and support me in anyway I need. I’m grateful for the tools I have learned to combat my mental illness. I can be proactive, rather than apathetic about my situation. Thank you for taking the time to read my story. I look forward to hearing from you soon!