Being open with my mental health struggle is definitely worth it

  I just wanted to share a quick update with everyone to follow up on the letter I wrote about in my last post. Today I received a card in the mail from someone who lives in my town and saw my letter in the paper. She has a friend who is struggling with anxiety and panic attacks but she didn’t know how to reach out and tell her friend that she’s loved and supported. She is going to share the letter with this friend and volunteer to help her seek treatment for the anxiety. Her card thanked me for being the impetus to reach out. For me it was a reassuring sign that being open with my struggle can make a difference. 

I wish her and her friend nothing but the best in the days to come. To borrow a line from Andrew Sullivan, know hope.