Hey, Carrie Fisher,

I can only imagine you're up in heaven by now. Finally at peace in your soul. Finally not fighting the demons of depression and bipolar disorder, finally — maybe — happy. I can not imagine how great that feels. To feel something other than the demons of mental illness creeping in; to feel that ever so searched for "normal." To feel that happiness. That joy.

I write this letter to say thank you. Thank you for empowering those with depression, bipolar, or other mental health problems to keep going. Thank you for empowering addicts. Thank you for empowering individuals to be brave with their story. Thank you for spreading hope. Thank you for encouraging me to keep fighting.

Carrie, in March of 2013, you candidly told People Magazine about the effects of mental illness on your life. I did not know you as Princess Leia in that moment, but as Carrie Fisher: someone who was a light, a beacon of hope. "The only lesson for me, or for anybody, is thatyou have to get help. It’s not a neat illness. It doesn’t go away." That day, you said these words, which was an encouragement for me and so many others to go and get help. You went even further on national television when you said:

"I am mentally ill. I can say that. I am not ashamed of that. I survived that, I’m still surviving it, but bring it on.”

Thank you for taking away my shame.

Carrie, you went on to say, "Stay afraid, but do it anyway. What’s important is the action. You don’t have to wait to be confident. Just do it and eventually the confidence will follow.”

This quote not only helped me to start over, apply to college, get a job, and go to treatment, but it has helped so many others.

Thank you.

Thank you for encouraging me to believe in my future.

2016 has been anything but kind, and it is truly unbelievable that mental health carries so much social judgment and shame. Still. In a world where we're told to go to the doctor if we break a bone or have a severe cold, we're simultaneously shunned for reaching out for help when our mental health falter. You, Carrie, in your bravery and endearing honesty, worked tirelessly to combat that unnecessary stigma. By being yourself, you gave us all silent permission to do the same.

Thank you for the force of your advocacy, Carrie Fisher. It's a force that will be with us, always.

With Hope,

The girl who struggles with mental health.