Hi! I’m Michelle, and I’m a mental health advocate. 

For years, I ignored my anxiety and depression. I looked happy, in person and on Instagram. I was thin, smiling, and always surrounded by friends. In reality, I was suffering. Behind the scenes, I self-medicated with too much food, too much drink, and too much exercise to make up for it all. I was also deeply in debt. 

But no one knew about my struggles or my sadness… until I ended up in the hospital. 

Suddenly, I was surrounded by family, friends, and health practitioners asking me hard questions and demanding honest answers. While it was shocking and difficult to deal with, I felt so relieved. Finally, someone knew. Finally, someone cared. Finally, I could ask for help. And I did. 

Of course, I could have asked for help all along. And my family could have asked me those hard questions before I got to the emergency room. That’s why I’m here. As a mental health advocate, it’s my job to teach people to look out for themselves and others by knowing the warning signs of mental health distress and providing resources to help address their or their loved one’s mental health needs.