The only other person who knows exactly how bad it was my mother. She has been my rock through this entire pregnancy

There I was, a picture of joy, a radiant smile painted on my face. But beneath the surface, a tempest was brewing. Yes, this is what depression can look like.

I lost sight of myself, stumbled and tripped in the midst of chaos. The move, the baby, work – the constant juggle was exhausting. I was a #NewWife, new to so many things, yet struggling with the weight of the world. In an attempt to alleviate the crippling #Stress, I turned to nicotine, despite its societal stigma. But let's face the harsh reality…

How many of us have sought solace in #alcohol, #Xanax, or a plethora of #Antidepressant #drugs to dull the throbbing ache of #Hurt and the maelstrom of #ConfusedEmotion triggered by unexpected #LifeEvents? Within a year, my life had been upended. The birth of my child was followed by a diagnosis of severe #PostpartumDepression and #Anxiety. Instead of succumbing to the routine of #Zoloft, I sought fleeting comfort in the embrace of #CoffeeAndNicotine.

My turmoil crescendoed to a point where I felt like I was drowning. I am one of those #StrongWomen who mask their agony with a smile, a master at the art of #FakingIt. And why? Because we rarely speak about #RealLifeShit. Our lives on #SocialMedia are meticulously curated, showcasing only the best moments, creating a facade that masks the storms brewing beneath. Casual chats with friends or acquaintances often revolve around the positives, carefully avoiding the darker recesses of our minds. It's a sad reality and one I've fallen into. I became a victim of the same trap.

Now, although the dialogue around #MentalHealth, #Depression, and #Suicide is becoming more open, a vast chasm remains when it comes to #MentalAwareness. It's still a struggle for me to bare my soul, to reveal the lesser-known facets of my life. But that's okay. Even sharing this piece of my story requires immense courage, yet it brings with it a liberating sense of freedom. That's why I've chosen to create this platform. A beacon of #WomenEmpowerment, a #SafeSpace where we can listen and learn from women who've battled and #conquered similar life adversities.