I have written and talked about my abuse of drugs and alcohol to manage and cope on many occassions. I have rarely written about the underlying issues and decisions that led me to a very dark place that nearly took my life.

In light of both Anthony Bourdain and Kate Spade taking their lives this week, I wanted to share my personal experience. I wanted to share so that others may feel comfortable to reach out for help and it is my way to reduce and perhaps, help eradicate the stigma of mental illness. Your brain, just like your heart, liver, lungs and kidneys sometimes gets sick. There is NO SHAME in asking for help and getting well.