This is a very sensitive topic for me as I had my battle with depression and anxiety. So let me share a quick story. When I was going to school at the University of Arizona I felt isolated and unwanted. I couldn’t get my friends on the phone, my family was going through a drastic change, and I had no true friends that I could express my feelings too. I had just got word that I would not be receiving a scholarship and would then be $18,000 in debt for 1 semester. I don’t come from money so paying $90,000 to finish my degree wasn’t an option. With all of this piling up, my future in college coming to an end, and my future in general being uncertain I felt ashamed. I didn’t want to come back home. All my friends went to universities and loved their experience. I felt like my life had peaked in high school and I would never reach the top again. So I would text, call, FaceTime... but everyone was busy. No calls back, no texts back, nothing. Being my anxiety ridden self I thought nobody wanted to talk to me or even have anything to do with me. So I started asking myself why am I here? Do I belong on this earth? Who would miss me if I left? What would change if I left? Those questions would lead into thoughts and those thoughts would lead into actions, actions that I regret to this day. One night it had got to my head... I attempted to commit suicide by overdose. Thankfully someone came into the shower that night and found me crying on the floor trying to end my life. I was rushed to the ER and woke up to a second chance. 4 years later, I’m working in the industry of my dreams. I’ve gotten to work with people who’ve inspired me since I was a kid. I’m surrounded by love, talented friends, and my family. All this wouldn’t have happened had I given up. To anyone reading this it’s okay to recognize your depression and anxiety. Even when it feels like no one is listening keep going. You never know where you’ll be 5 years from now. If anyone needs someone to talk to, my dms are open and if you have my # don’t even hesitate to hit me. Have a wonderful week, be inspired, and keep going.