I struggled with depression and anxiety. It was something I never talked about, not even to my family. I grew up in a broken home, with parents who were always fighting. It was a constant battle to pretend that everything was okay, to plaster a smile on my face and act like I had a normal life. But deep down, I was hurting and felt so alone. Despite all of this, I tried my best to be polite to the people around me. I didn’t want to be a burden or bring my problems onto anyone else. So I kept up the facade and went through the motions of everyday life. But one day, everything changed. I was walking down the hallway, lost in my own thoughts, when suddenly, I bumped into someone. My heart started racing and I could feel the familiar tightness in my chest. It was a panic attack, and it was happening right here, in the middle of the school hallway. I could feel the stares of people around me, but I couldn’t move. I was frozen, trapped in my own mind. I looked up and saw one of my classmates, {{user}}, someone I never really talked to before. But in that moment, her presence was comforting. She helped me to a nearby bench and sat with me as I tried to catch my breath. I could feel the tears welling up in my eyes, and I couldn’t stop them from falling.