Mental health is a prominent issue in today’s society. Like most people, I feel like I have gone through some tough stages in my life where my mind-set has been tested.

When I was growing up, I was overweight. I had some very hurtful things said to me, which resulted in overeating and crying myself to sleep regularly. Hating my body gave me the motivation to lose weight as I grew into my teenage years. At my lowest point during my time in college, I became bulimic. I was surrounded by very fit, athletic individuals and I felt like I had to do anything and everything to fit in. No matter what I did, my body was never good enough in my eyes.

I lost a very close friend to an incredibly unfortunate accident at the age of 18, which caused me extreme sadness for many years. I shut down, withdrew and struggled to talk to anyone about what had happened. The internal pain and suffering continued for a very long time.

Once I started to open up about some of the issues I was having, I realised how helpful talking to someone was. Opening up felt like a weight was being lifted off of my chest.

Though I cannot put myself in anyone else’s shoes and imagine what they’re going through, I do know that speaking up and asking for support really helped to alleviate my pain.