I was diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder, Anxiety Disorder, and PTSD—labels that helped me make sense of the chaos I had been carrying since childhood. Growing up, I endured both physical and emotional abuse, along with the pain of abandonment by those who were supposed to protect me. That kind of trauma leaves a mark—it shaped how I saw myself, how I trusted others, and how I moved through the world. There were years when just getting through the day felt like a battle specifically when I struggled with inferitily and overcoming grief from a miscarriage. I carried the quiet pain alone which left me left me feeling isolated, like the world kept moving while I stood still with a heart full of hope and loss. I know what it’s like to dream of becoming a parent, to imagine a future that never fully arrives, and to wrestle with both the physical and emotional weight of that journey. Along the way, I found myself supporting others—friends, family, and peers—who were navigating similar paths. I leaned on my own healing, my studies in child development, and my belief in the power of shared experience. I began to realize that just being there, truly listening, and offering evidence-based guidance could make a real difference. Now, as a Certified Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist and psychology student, I offer that same support to anyone going through these challenges. You deserve a space to process your emotions, ask hard questions, and know that you're not alone.