In 2021, I found myself in a dark place, feeling like I had nowhere to turn. I'd always been the type to put on a brave face and soldier on, even when I was struggling inside. You know, the whole "feelings are for the weak" mentality.

Well, let me tell you that attitude nearly cost me everything. I was also raised to be an independent, selfish, and strong woman who could not show emotions to avoid being stereotyped and seen as weak.

I have always worn a mask of happiness, light humour, cheer, jokes, and a "do not care" attitude, like I was above it all, which made me seem always happy, motivated, and driven.

I was none of it in 2021, and all I could hear in my head was "I have had enough, I am tired of being me (wearing a mask that did not fit any more and was too heavy to wear)."

As it may be familiar to others, in the blink of an eye, everything was too much — I was too much, the pain was too much, being me was too much, looking at my life was blinding because I could see nothing positive and no one around me could change that decision because it was final, the last thing I could really control.

I attempted suicide, thinking it was my only way out.

But here's the thing: asking for support isn't a sign of weakness; it's a sign of strength. It takes courage to admit when you're in crisis and need a helping hand. Looking back, I wish I'd realised that sooner. I wish I'd known that it's okay not to be okay and that there's no shame in seeking help. So, if you're out there struggling, please don't make the same mistake I did.