This is Morgan's story.

If you’re struggling with depression, you’re not alone. Here are some trusted resources that can offer support, guidance, and hope: Crisis Support & Hotlines: • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Call or text 988 (Available 24/7 in the U.S.) | 988lifeline.org • Crisis Text Line – Text HOME to 741741 for free, 24/7 support | crisistextline.org • National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Helpline – Call 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or text “HelpLine” to 62640 | nami.org/help • SAMHSA National Helpline (Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services) – Call 1-800-662-HELP (4357) | samhsa.gov Faith-Based Support: • GriefShare – Support groups for those struggling with loss | griefshare.org • Focus on the Family Counseling – Free one-time consultations with licensed counselors | Call 1-855-771-HELP (4357) | focusonthefamily.com • Find a Christian Counselor – aacc.net (American Association of Christian Counselors) Therapy & Mental Health Resources: • Psychology Today’s Therapist Finder – Find a licensed therapist near you | psychologytoday.com/us/therapists • Open Path Collective – Affordable therapy options | openpathcollective.org • To Write Love on Her Arms – Mental health resources & encouragement | twloha.com/find-help • BetterHelp – Online therapy platform | betterhelp.com Community & Self-Help: • Celebrate Recovery – Christ-centered support groups for mental health and addiction | celebraterecovery.com • The Mighty – An online mental health community | themighty.com • National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) – Reliable information on depression | nimh.nih.gov

You don’t have to do this alone. If you’re struggling, please reach out to a trusted friend, pastor, or therapist. You are not meant to carry this burden by yourself—there are people who care and want to support you. Asking for help is a brave and powerful step toward healing.

One of the most difficult parts of mental health struggle is feeling alone. Shame, fear, and stigma keep us isolated and reinforce the belief I am the only one who struggles with mental health. When someone shares their struggle with us, suddenly we have hope. Even when pain is present, there is something so healing about being in community. How do we build a community in the middle of our struggle?

Someone needs to start the conversation.

Most of the time we are hoping someone else will be the one to do it. What if we stopped waiting on others and told our story. What if we said, “I’ll start.” “I’ll Start” is a podcast where individuals bravely share their stories, listen with compassion, and connect through their faith and mental health experiences. Each episode of “I’ll Start” highlights a personal story of mental health challenge, endurance, and hope. At the end of each episode, you will receive mental health tools and theological truth from our Co-hosts, Morgan Arseneau and Heather Kaloupek.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, call 9-8-8 to speak to a professional 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You are not alone.