This past summer, I had the privileged of having my article “How running saved my life, literally” published in PACE Magazine. I’m about to get extremely personal with you all in the hope that this helps someone who is silently struggling. Not many people know this, but shortly after the birth of Isabelle I was diagnosed with Postpartum Depression, Anxiety and OCD. The year after her birth was the hardest, most trying year of my life. It’s hard to even put into words what I experienced. I’ve heard so many times, “Postpartum Depression means women want to kill their kids.” This is NOT true. All of my dark, self-harming, intrusive thoughts were geared towards myself. They were constantly running through my mind. I honestly thought my girls and my family would be better off without me and that I was going to ruin their lives. Running, therapy, medication, my AMAZING support system (you all are the BEST and I love you all so very much) literally saved my life.I want to share my story with you all to help break the mental health stigma. Mental illness does not mean you are weak. You cannot control it, it can happen to anyone, even those who look like they have it all together. It does not discriminate. It affects all races, genders and ages. Be kind to each other. Love one another. If you are struggling, there is hope and there is help! Reach out to a loved one, your doctor or even me! You are loved by so many.