caption: This is me at the end of 2009 at a work event - smiling, laughing and being charismatic. But that had been the worst year of my life - full of anxiety and depression. Fortunately, it was a turning point that set me on a healing journey that transformed my life. At that work event, few people would have ever imagined that I'd suffered like that. I was great at hiding how I felt because that's what I'd been taught to do. I thought everyone needed me to be positive, fun <PERSON> all the time. I wish I'd let people know how I was really doing. Odds are high that you have several people in your life who are suffering behind their smile. January is a tough month; if there's ever a month to be a good friend and take time to listen and support, it's this one.