City: Sioux Falls, S.D. / Minneapolis, Minn.

What is the story related to mental health, suicide, and/or resilience that you’d like to share?   

I’ve learned resiliency in my mental health journey by treating my depression and anxiety like I would any other illness. Destigmatization was half of the battle for me. 

What resources have helped you to address this challenge?  

Medication, creative outlets, community support, therapy 

Based on your experience, how can we work to build resilience in ourselves, our loved ones, and in our communities to better face life’s challenges? 

We have to communicate openly and honestly about what we’re feeling in order to diagnose the root causes of our mental health struggles. 

What is one thing related to mental health, suicide, or resilience that you wish everyone could understand? 

There is never any shame in asking for help.