Video Credit: Kevyn Tapia

What is your story?

I was always the kid in the background from as early as elementary school. A lack of perception, intimacy, and real friends led me to close myself into a bubble. Despite having everything a kid needs, something was always missing inside me, and it definitely wasn't food because I had a lot of that as a kid. My self esteem and pride was pretty low, and I simply didn't know who I was as a human being. I would spend most of my time in bed, scrolling through social media, watching adult content, experimenting with drugs, and hiding my pain through laughter. At every opportunity I would distract myself from "the truth". That was until one day my being could no longer handle the internal chaos I was facing. This led me to have a spiritual awakening and realize that there was more than my existence. The stories I told myself, and the image I attached to who I was. At long last, I could see hope in the horizon. Today, I still have my struggles, but I owe everything to what I went through because without it I wouldn't be me.

How has your story impacted who you are today?

My story led me to speak to a camera. I created my own YouTube channel (Kevo Nobody) to share my story with the kids like me. As someone who understands what most will go through growing up, I speak on the behalf of my experiences to reflect back onto those that need to know things will be okay. It has inspired me to better myself as a human, not only for myself, but to cause the same ripple effect on others.

What has your mental health journey looked like?

My mental health journey started off with meditation. The first time I paused to listen to my inner voice shocked me, I could finally inner-stand that nothing was wrong with me, I was just lost. I then began to frequently exercise and eat healthier, which boosted my mood. As for speaking to a camera, I found it to be the most effective and therapeutic thing I have ever done. Recording my words and rewatching them is like a stream of consciousness that allows me to see and comprehend my thoughts or issues.

What encouragement would you give to someone who shares a similar story?

The encouragement I would give to someone is to find what drives your heart insane. The thing that makes you tick and want to wake up everyday. Because despite life's hardships and obstacles, if you are doing what you love, you will always find a way to live authentically and with love. When you do this, you will make change, in yourself, in others, and in the world. Follow your heart.