After the birth of my daughter, I went through postpartum depression and psychosis—something I never expected to experience. It shook every part of my identity as a new mom and a partner. My mental health struggles caused pain in my marriage, and I could see how hard it was for my husband too. I felt ashamed, overwhelmed, and alone. On top of that, I was navigating tough relationships with my parents and trying to create boundaries that didn’t spiral into conflict. Through psychotherapy, psychiatry, and eventually becoming a Certified Peer Support Specialist, I began to heal. I’ve had to distance myself from unsupportive people, stop using alcohol to cope, and challenge the voice in my head that told me I wasn’t enough. I lost a job during this time, too, and had to find a new sense of balance as a working mom. It hasn’t been easy, but reclaiming my sense of self has been worth it. Now I support others through those lonely moments of recovery and transformation, because no one should have to do it alone.