Last May, I took a scary first step and became a part of a very important conversation and in step and today as part World Mental Health Day and now more than ever, on the one year anniversary of the loss of my daddy, I know it’s time revisit this subject that touches so many of us, especially myself The world sees the huge smile on my face and the person that was soaking in every moment of this wondrous life that I had been given, always trying to find something to be thankful for but the truth is, on the inside, I am not smiling, depression has taken over, and although people told me “If I can do anything for you, just let me know “ the reality was that when I did muster all of my courage to try to reach out, no one was there to take my hand and reach back. That is the reality that thousands of people face each and every day-no one reaching back until you finally stop trying until you find yourself all alone in a place no one should ever have to be. It’s time to join in with others and become a part of the conversation because mental health needs is more sunlight, more candor, and more unashamed conversation. It doesn’t have to take over your life, it doesn’t have to define you as a person, it’s just important that you ask for help. It’s not a sign of weakness. It is when we start being honest about our pain, our anger, and our shortcomings instead of pretending they don’t exist, then maybe we’ll leave the world a better place than we found it. Now imagine that you are a child and going through the same thing. Children don’t have the words to verbalize their feelings and if we as adults don’t understand when it happens to us, how can we expect children to know how to cope. Because we don’t wear our thoughts on our sleeves, we all play a role in being advocates, conversation starters and supports of children’s mental health. Today join with me and pledge to make this a “We” so no one ever feels alone again To learn more about what you can do head to http://bit.ly/2o3dRev What story would you tell on your sleeves? #NationwideKidsPartner #OnOurSleeves #WorldMentalHealthDay #SelfCare #Wellness #sponsored https://www.instagram.com/p/B3cU_cIpr3q/?igshid=14yerbmsya1oo