Feature and Photos by

Stacie Maddox of Bear and Pineapple Photography

We’ve all been on a rollercoaster of emotions the last few years. A ride none of us asked to get on - that is for sure. We go from watching silly videos on TikTok to escape reality to doom scrolling on Instagram. Our brains are constantly interpreting bad, confusing, funny, and happy information - and sometimes, all at once. It is a lot to process. I hope you are finding ways to take care of yourself - in whatever way feels safe to you.

Speaking about mental health has always been an important aspect of showing up on social media for me. It’s one of those subjects people often tiptoe around. The stigma surrounding mental health is an absolute struggle to tackle.

At first, I thought my platform wasn’t the place to share such vulnerability. The hard truth is some people do not understand (or want to understand) the struggle of living with mental illness. Some people believe it's not necessary to take medication for anxiety. Some people may think therapy is a complete waste of time and money. Some people may even roll their eyes when they find out I laid in bed for days after suffering a massive loss in my life. These posts are not for them. My posts are for the people who need it - in that very moment of their life.

My personal work often focuses on documenting my journey in self-love, overcoming intense grief, managing my mental health, and showing the raw side of being a human. By sharing a little about myself, I hope it serves as a reminder that you are not alone, even during your darkest moments.