Mental illness is something that is more common than most people realize. The problem is that mental illness is still so stigmatized that people don't want to talk about it. I felt this way for the longest time myself and didn't talk to people about what I was feeling or what I was going through. I let things build up inside of me until I just lost control. I started making choices that would have negative impacts on me and my life.

I have dealt with a vast array of struggles to include, but not limited to, abuse, addiction, my own suicide attempt, the loss of several people that were close to me to suicide, and trying to be a parent to children who are suffering with their own struggles. Several times I questioned as to why these things were happening, what was the purpose of these troubles, and if they were ever going to get better.

It took a while for me to fully understand that all these troubles that I was experiencing weren't trying to break me down, even though that is what it felt like they were doing. Every struggle, every part of the pain, every loss that I was experiencing, was helping me become a stronger person. It was building me up to have a different outcome in life. Each experience taught me something. Each struggle made me stronger. Each loss helped me understand the importance of life.

My story is something that I kept to myself for the longest time. I didn't want to share it with anyone for fear that I would be judged, since mental illness is still so taboo to talk about. It took me a while to realize that my story, while it is unique to me, is not that uncommon. I wanted to share my story and the struggles that I have been through to help others realize that they aren't alone.

Knowing that you are not alone when going through challenges can sometimes offer peace and hope, that the challenges you are facing will pass and make you a stronger person. My hope in sharing my story and my struggles is that at least one person will know and understand that there is a light at the end of the tunnel, and this too shall pass.