Another great piece.

I am in full agreement with every single word of this article, and it does seem like I could have written it. Of course not as well as you, but I have had a similar journey and now wish to talk about it.

I have struggled with my mental health for years now, and one of the most negative recurrent feelings has been one of loneliness. As a child, I was always the “weird,” one never “normal.” As an adult, I was able to do a pretty good job of pretending to be “normal.” But I have always felt alone. That only “I” am this way. Only “I” suffer from such and such problems. That only “I” have not been able to grow up and move on.

Reading other’s personal essays, such as yours, about struggles, pain, and vulnerable admission of trial and errors has been eye-opening for me. For the first time in my life, I have felt truly validated. I saw my pain reflected in your words. I have laughed, cried, and felt. I now no longer feel like the only one.

You are right. We definitely need to have conversations, many in fact, about our mental health. It helps us accept, process, and heal. It helps us to know that we are not alone.

Thank you for sharing this. It was an excellent read.