Today, Robin Williams committed suicide.

When I heard the news, I hid from my coworkers in a bathroom stall and cried for twenty minutes, feeling the weight of my struggles with Depression and suicidal thoughts, dating back to my teenage years. I thought about how hard I’ve fought to make my progress, to turn my life into something that I’m happy living in, and I thought about how that battle is never going to end for as long as I live.

Every day can be an uphill climb just to function. There are times when simple, menial tasks seem impossible.

I can tell you inspirational stories from my life and the lives of those around me about the beauty inherent in that fight to stay alive, but today I think it’s best to just let us all feel how sad we are to see someone succumb to their struggle, how hard things can be, and how we should love and support each other when and wherever we can.