Last year, Supernatural actor Jared Padalecki took the courageous step in publicizing his own struggles with anxiety and depression. But Padalecki took it a step further. The actor began a campaign, Always Keep Fighting, to support and encourage people suffering from various forms of mental illness.

I have been a fan of Jared Padalecki since his days on Gilmore Girls. I adore his portrayal of demon hunting younger brother Sam Winchester in The CW’s long running show Supernatural. But with Always Keep Fighting, I have found a special community.

I have suffered from depression for over twenty-five years. I have felt alone and felt guilty when plagued by suicidal thoughts. I have (still do) want to mask my own pain through the comfort of writing poetry.

Learning to love yourself first is not always easy, but I’m trying.

Jared Padalecki’s Always Keep Fighting campaign has created a community of compassion. We still struggle, but we’re learning each day that we can journey towards loving ourselves first. We’re learning how to give and accept compassion. We’re no longer invisible. We no longer need to keep silent.

Through Jared Padalecki, I discovered the nonprofit organization, Attitudes in Reverse. Attitudes in Reverse works tirelessly to end the stigma associated with mental illness and to educate on good mental health.

On July 19, 2016, I will self-publish my book of Always Keep Fighting poetry. A portion of the proceeds from this book will go towards benefiting Attitudes in Reverse.  This poetry journey has been incredibly humbling, insightful and fulfilling. I’m still on my own path towards learning to love myself first. And while this path isn’t always easy to follow, I will Always Keep Fighting.

UPDATED: My Always Keep Fighting poetry book is titled “I am not invisible: Always Keep Fighting poetry in honor of Jared Padalecki & others.

https://www.amazon.com/not-invisible-Always-Fighting-Padalecki-ebook/dp/B01GFBR2I0?ie=UTF8&qid=1466445329&ref_=la_B01GBHLU7M_1_9&s=books&sr=1-9