I’ve never been very fortunate when it came to love — parental or romantic. I’ve loved, and I’ve been loved, but never quite in the way I needed. As the oldest daughter, raising my three younger siblings became my responsibility. I was their protector, their guide,...

In my experience with depression, I would compare the mental state to a sudden onslaught of rolling, dark clouds and thunder — with a downpour of thick, heavy rain. This storm sharply contrasts the sky that was, only moments before, a beautiful blue full of bright,...

Experiencing trauma can be emotionally, physically, and spiritually exhausting. Having gone through an intense and extreme situation where I felt “less than” or “not enough” on a daily basis, I realized I had to start practicing what I preach. My body and mind were...

My father never said “I love you” out loud. But he didn’t have to—he made sure we always felt it. Every gesture, every wordless connection, every silent presence—it all spoke volumes. He was a good father. No, he was a wonderful one. We are four sisters, and he gave...

When I was growing up, I had an absent father and mother. My father died when I was just 1 year old, and my mother abandoned me when I was 2. I lived with my mother’s father after that. I just turned 18 a couple of weeks ago, and looking back, my childhood wasn’t...

Hi, my name is Jill, and I feel very grateful and blessed to have found this app. I have gone through many dark times in my life. I’ve suffered from major depression and anxiety since I was a teenager, navigating years of ups and downs. I was raised as a Jehovah’s...