Every day at work I am reminded that you just never know what someone is struggling with, what challenges they face or what demons they battle on a daily basis. Every day, I am reminded of the courage it takes to rise to the challenge of saying to someone, “I need help. I cannot do this alone.”

I have said it before and I will say it again: It takes more courage to ask for help than it does to suffer in silence. This past week, I met several brave people who brought themselves in for treatment after suffering in silence with crippling depression and anxiety. I applaud them for doing so and hope I did right by them all. One of the amazing people I met was a woman who walked three days through the mountains of Mexico to come to the United States, only to find herself in an abusive relationship that has left her profoundly depressed. I reminded her how brave she was for bringing herself in for treatment.

Finding one’s way from mental illness to mental wellness is not easy nor does it happen overnight. The path to recovery can be a long one and taking the first step can be daunting. But there is hope in recovery and a promise of a brighter future if you are willing to do the work of recovery.

Recovery is work and one has to be all in for it to work. Recovery requires therapy and medication and proper nutrition and exercise and learning a new set of coping skills and practicing those skills when times get tough. One cannot simply take a pill and expect to be magically better. Talk therapy is necessary to work out problems that are at the root of mental illness, substance use, eating disorders and trauma. Proper nutrition is important to help your body work the way it should. Exercise releases ever-important endorphins that help you feel better. Coping skills are important for everyone to possess. It is okay to ask for help learning how to employ these things. There are people like me who care to listen and help you work through your problems.

I have had people tell me that they do not want to talk to a counselor or therapist because “they are paid to listen.” Yes, we get paid for our work but that does not mean we are not interested in hearing your story or in helping you write a better ending. We care and care deeply about helping you find your way to wellness. All you have to do is ask for help.

The woman I met last night who trekked through the mountains to come to the United States came here because she wanted a better life. Last night she climbed one more mountain to ask for help with depression. Her bravery astounded me, her courage inspired me. Can you find the courage to take the first step on your road to recovery? Are you willing to trek through the mountain of mental illness to find your way to wellness? Reach out today. There are people who very much want to help you succeed on your journey.