I sat down today planning to write about my experience during Fashion Week. But when I started typing, I realized that wasn’t what I was meant to write about today. What I needed to talk about is something harder, something deeply personal that so many people struggle with.  

I put on a song that once meant love and comfort, but now only brings painful memories and reminders of loss. That moment made me recognize a constant pattern in my life: dwelling on what’s wrong instead of working to heal and grow. So that’s what this post is about, mental health and the impact it has on all of us.  

I’ve grown up in a very mentally aware family. From a young age, I understood the effects of mental illness and the importance of breaking the stigma around it. But it’s only now that I truly feel it. I’ve struggled with mental health before, yet I always managed to brush it off and move forward. As I’ve grown older, facing heartbreak, responsibilities, and the everyday challenge of looking in the mirror and feeling content, I’ve realized I haven’t prioritized my mental health nearly enough.  

I promised myself that this year would be different, that I would finally put my mental health first. In all honesty, it’s been much harder than I expected. Some days feel unbearable. But I’m learning that sitting in sadness isn’t the solution, picking myself up and continuing forward is. The world keeps spinning, and we only get one life from God. I’ve caught myself chasing empty promises, trying to fill a hole that only self-acceptance can heal.  

It’s scary to share something so vulnerable online, but I believe change doesn’t happen unless we’re brave enough to speak up. If there’s even a small chance my words could help someone, just one person, it’s worth it.  

Social media isn’t real. What you see online is the highlight reel, not the whole story. There’s so much beneath the surface that I now feel ready to share. It’s okay to struggle, it’s okay to cry, it’s okay to be scared, and it’s more than okay to ask for help. I’m writing this to confess that I’ve been struggling lately, but I also know I’m not alone. Everyone is fighting their own battles, and that’s part of being human.  

From this day forward, I’m making my mental health my top priority. I encourage you to do the same. I’m letting go of that song forever, those memories, and regrets that hold me back. Tomorrow, I’ll try to be better. The next day, I’ll aim to be great. And I hope, wherever you are on your journey, you get there too.  

From Mads on Madison, please never underestimate the importance of your mental health, and know that I’m always here for anyone, anywhere. My dad used to tell me, “Treat others how you want to be treated.” So spread love and kindness, because you never know what someone else is going through.