In the early months of 2022, a personal journey led me to a path of volunteering as a public speaker for the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). This decision would not only help me heal from my own losses but also enable me to contribute to the crucial cause of mental health awareness.

Having experienced the devastating effects of mental illness within my own circle of family and friends, I understood the importance of raising awareness. It wasn't just about sharing statistics; it was about humanizing the issue and shedding light on the struggles that many individuals face daily. I had lost both family members and close friends to mental health challenges, and their stories motivated me to advocate for change.

Driven by the desire to make a difference, I decided to become a public speaker for NAMI. The first time I stood before an audience, my heart raced with a mixture of nervousness and determination. But as I began to share my own journey of loss and resilience, the room fell silent, and I could feel a palpable connection forming. It was as if by sharing my vulnerability, I was opening the door for others to do the same.

During my talks, I would recount the stories of myself, family members, and friends who had battled mental health issues. I spoke about the struggles faced, the stigma that was encountered, and the resilience shown even in the darkest times. By sharing these stories, I hoped to break down the barriers of silence and shame surrounding mental health.

As time went on, I began to witness the impact of my words. Audience members would approach me after my talks, sharing their own stories and expressing gratitude for the space I had created for open conversations. It was evident that mental health awareness was essential not only for those directly affected but for society as a whole. The more we talked about it, the more people felt encouraged to seek help, offer support, and donate to organizations like NAMI.

Volunteering as a public speaker for NAMI became a vital part of my life, helping me heal from my losses while also giving me a sense of purpose. The journey wasn't without challenges, but the connection I felt with others who had experienced similar struggles made it all worthwhile. Through sharing our stories and advocating for mental health awareness, we were breaking down the walls of stigma and creating a brighter, more supportive future for everyone.

In 2022, I embarked on a journey that not only changed my life but also touched the lives of countless others. With every speech I gave, I knew I was contributing to a movement that would shape a more compassionate and understanding society—one where mental health was valued, understood, and supported by all.