I felt people could see right through me and my biggest fear was that they saw how I was really doing. See how my excitement to move out and start my higher education quickly crumbled and was replaced with self-doubt, emotional overeating, and depression. The shame kept me silent and the distance between my inner feelings and the mask I put on increased by the day. Eventually, my excitement for my future was lost and I didn’t see much hope for the future. See how I realized I needed support as my thoughts went darker, and how this led me to seek professional help. Sharing with others, especially in groups with people facing their own struggles, allowed me to let go of my shame and put down the mask. Learn how this helped me to open up to those around me and how this allowed me to continue my higher education and start enjoying parts of my student life.