An Open Letter About Mental Health Awareness

We got into a very heated argument on the MoSho this morning when we got to talking about Simone Biles backing out of the team competition. The argument ended up with me yelling at Buzz to "shut up". I don't agree with my approach but in that moment I only had one thing on my mind. Shut down Buzz's antiquated way of thinking and don't allow it on the air. I'm all for sharing views and opinions but this is not one I'm willing to go along with. It's that way of thinking that has caused so many people to not seek the help they need.

Mental health is something that is very, very close to me. I have struggled with depression and anxiety my entire adult life. For most of that I wasn't aware what was going on because I was always told most of those feelings are just "feeling sad" and I should "suck it up". As much as I felt I had control of it when I was younger, I never really did. I was able to keep it at arms length, but it was always there. I have even been hospitalized a couple times due to panic attacks. Those are easily the scariest moments of my life.

I'm not writing this for sympathy or anything of the sort. And I could ramble on and on about the topic but right now, I'm writing this in the hopes that someone who might be struggling realizes they are not alone. No one should ever feel alone. There are places you can go for help.

• The Suicide Prevention Hotline - 800-273-8255
• You can also CLICK HERE to find all kinds of assistance

The sad truth is, as I write this, I know there will be negative comments and mockery. I'm okay with that. I'm even willing to joke about it because I have found humor and laughter are sometimes the best medicine. Mockery and belittling are not acceptable though. We have to get away from ignoring mental health just because we can't see it.