“Mom, have you ever wanted to die?” 

“Sure, there’s been some days in my life where I have wanted to die.”

“I want to die every day.” 

“Why is that?” 

“I don’t know. I guess I just feel like I have no purpose, like I am just going to end up in jail or something.” 

 

This conversation occurred between Josie and her mom in the car on the way to dance class. She was in the fourth grade. Josie didn’t have the vocabulary to describe or understand exactly what she was feeling, but she knows now that at ten years old, she was experiencing some form of depression for the first time. This depression and sadness would follow her for years to come; through middle school, high school, and college. Along the way, she struggled with panic attacks, self-harm, suicidal ideation, and eating disorders, and continued to form harmful beliefs about herself, a voice that sounded like: “I am unworthy,” “I am a burden,” and “I deserve punishment.” Drowning in pain and believing that suicide was her only path to peace, Josie made plans to end her life. But in the face of death, she discovered the power of her beliefs and began the journey to transform her life into one filled with love, joy, and purpose. Now free from the burdens of mental illness, it is Josie’s mission to help students overcome their shadows and unlock long-lasting happiness and self-worth.