I went and took a mask off that I didn’t know I was wearing.

My pride was already shattered before I made it there. Everything hurt so badly. Everything was so confusing.

My mind was in a really bad place. I hit a wall. I was depressed, confused, frustrated, and ashamed. I didn’t want to be around anymore.

I felt like I had failed. It felt like everyone else was moving forward in their lives except for me. Somehow I had got left behind. Somehow I missed that memo.

I felt confused because I thought I had followed all the ‘rules,’ that I was ‘supposed to’ follow, yet I still didn’t get what I wanted. Why would this happen? I did what I was told. I hadn’t stepped out of line. Why did it feel like I was being punished, while everyone else moved forward? Isn’t life supposed to go how you want when you do and say the ‘right things’ you were told to? Why do I feel like I’m getting screwed?

I was a constant mix between frustrated, angry, and sad. On top of that, I was ashamed. Depression ‘should’ hit certain people, but not someone like me (pride speaking). I felt weak. Again, I looked at ‘everyone else’s’ lives. They looked perfect. There seemed to be no pain. I’m feeling like I’m the only one.

All those thoughts went through my head, but I kept quiet. I couldn’t share them with anyone, except for maybe a close few. It dragged on for months. I couldn’t get over this thing.

Then I finally decided to get some help. I started going to therapy thinking maybe they could help me figure out what was going on. I was pessimistic about the possibility.

Slowly, however, over time it started to help me out. It’s a wonderful thing when you find out that you can share literally anything about yourself, or the way you’re feeling and not get judged.

What I realized is this: the strongest, most confident people, are not the ones holding masks high up in front of themselves. They’re not the ‘perfect people.’ Those people aren’t even close. The strongest people are the ones who take the mask off. They’re the ones who are confident enough in themselves, and their overall purpose, that they are willing to show their imperfections.

What I found from breaking down wasn’t weakness, but strength.

“It is not weak to seek help. In fact, it is incredibly strong.”

- Dan Reynolds, lead singer of ‘Imagine Dragons’