{"product_id":"out-of-the-darkness-9780578281926","title":"Out of the Darkness","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAs a senior in high school, I had what many would call an \"All-American Life.\" I was varsity captain in three sports, was named the most athletic female in my highschool, an academic honors student, and, in seven short months, I would be on my way to a Division II college to pursue my education and compete on the cross country and track team. My parents are supportive and married. I have a loving sister. I was truly happy and thankful for the life I had and all the hard work I had put in to get me to where I was.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eDespite this \"All-American\" background, nothing had prepared me for the downward spiral that led me to two, two-weeklong psychiatric hospitalization stays and a suicide attempt before those seven months were up. I would later be diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder and, with time, learn to overcome stigma, and eventually find peace and learn to live a successful and meaningful life.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIf I had a better understanding of what mental illnesses looked like and had the correct resources and language to ask for help, things would not have been so difficult for my younger self. I believe that if my parents and friends had known more about mental health issues I would not have had to go through what I did.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eI wish there were more awareness and education of how mental health issues can affect even a successful, driven, loved, and supportive kid. I don't want what happened to me to happen to anyone else. I hope by sharing my story I can bring awareness to mental health and give the reader a sense of hope. If people do not share their experiences, how do we learn from one another and help each other along the way?\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e","brand":"Choosing Happiness, LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50508852003090,"sku":"9780578281926","price":16.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0831\/4771\/8930\/files\/img_f147cb9c-79ca-4045-aa01-0757bbd0ee82.jpg?v=1730880788","url":"https:\/\/surprise-castle.myshopify.com\/products\/out-of-the-darkness-9780578281926","provider":"Surprise Castle","version":"1.0","type":"link"}