Transitioning into entrepreneurship at 30, I was concerned that sharing my personal journey might affect how my clients view me. However, I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the outpouring of support and the admiration from those who now look up to me. Mental illness has shaped me into the person I am today, and I now recognize that being different is my greatest asset in life. I use my light to spark hope in others, even on my darkest days. I never gave up—I found something positive in every negative moment and turned my journey into a book helping many others. Writing this has been the most rewarding part of it all. After opening up, I’ve been overwhelmed with support from all over the world. I shared my story for those who aren’t able to share theirs.

Your worst day will only ever last 24 hours. Hold on and be brave enough to prioritize yourself. It may feel uncomfortable at first, but growth never comes from comfort. Give yourself permission to be vulnerable, accept the help, and make room for the best moments in life—ones that are still on their way. Embrace the fact that healing—whether physical or mental—takes time. Establishing a routine is one of the most effective ways to regain control of your life. Celebrate the small wins, even if that means you’ve managed to make your bed today. It’s hard to fight back, but I promise it will be worth it. Since my diagnosis, I’ve experienced significant changes and achieved so much, and you will too. Many things can change in a single day, so always allow yourself one more day.

-From a like-minded friend