I haven't talked much about mental health publicly, but @_elena's #gratefulforyou hashtag has motivated me to open up about it.

I'll be honest: This year has been incredibly challenging for me. I've struggled with anxiety and a bit of depression for as long as I can remember, but I always thought it was normal and how life was meant to be experienced. I came to the realization this year that I actually needed help and that I couldn't navigate my mental health alone.

I want to dedicate my #gratefulforyou shout out to @ozoned@social.ozoned.net. The idea of seeking help was terrifying, but he helped me understand it's okay and the right thing to do. He is an amazing friend and has been an incredibly helpful guide along my mental health journey. Most recently, he introduced me to mindfulness meditation which has been very effective to help me stay in the present moment and approach my emotions with more clarity.

I also want to thank @Mrfunkedude@mastodon.social. His interview on @firesidefedi was the first resource I turned to when I started truly questioning my mental health. He and Ozoned discuss mental health extensively on that episode, and I highly recommend giving it a watch or listen.