Meet Mariah Paz, the 6th story of the I Know Lonely project. In her early years as a middle and high schooler, Mariah describes herself as a mean girl. Having the upper-hand gave her the sense of security she desperately needed, but often left her disconnected and unsatisfied with her relationships and connections. As she shares her story, she shares how she learned the importance of being open-minded towards others, because you may never know what is going on their lives.

It’s been about a year and a half since we originally filmed Mariah’s story and since then, her journey hasn’t been the easiest. In her podcast episode (recorded last month), she shares how she struggled to process the grief she experienced after losing her friend Nate and ended up turning to partying and making decisions that led up to her own mental health crisis. Coming back from her suicide attempt has been difficult, but she’s learned that healing takes time and sometimes you just have to take life day-by-day, hour-by-hour, or even minute-by-minute. She’s learned that being vulnerable and having the hard conversations is how you can find healing and often, it’s how we help others as well.

This is her story.

LISTEN TO THE PODCAST:

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | Amazon Music

SHOWNOTES & RESOURCES

Recommended Resources:

Loneliness During Pregnancy

Suicide Prevention Resources

SUICIDE & CRISIS MENTAL HEALTH HELP HOTLINE: 988

If you or someone you know is in crisis—whether they are considering suicide or not—please call to speak with a trained crisis counselor 24/7.

3 WAYS YOU CAN SUPPORT THE I KNOW LONELY PROJECT:

1. Intentionally connect with someone you care about! Who is the first person that comes to your mind right now? Send them a text, give them a phone call, set a time to grab lunch.

2. Rep the I KNOW LONELY merch! Be a voice for the project by repping some merch from the I Know Lonely collection. From cozy hoodies and sweatshirts to sticker packs or hats, you can shop the full collection here.

3. Become a monthly donor! We know there are so many more stories like Mariah’s that need to be told. Stories that share their own experiences through topics like anxiety and depression, addiction, mental health struggles, incarceration, losing loved one to suicide… everybody has a story worth telling. And you can help us share these stories with the world by supporting the I Know Lonely Project. Even the smallest gifts can make an impact. Give here!