Shockingly, this is the first-ever story I’ve written about myself, and to be frank, my emotions are a mix of being very stoked and being utterly petrified. In previous situations, opening up and revealing my true, authentic self seemed to be the “worst thing in the world.”

Editor’s Note: This story contains information about suicide and may be triggering to some readers. If you are suicidal or having suicidal ideations, please call 988 immediately.