Hey there, buddy! Was just starting your Riff article, and checked this hyperlink first! Congratulations, Alexander, you’ve come a long way! :)))

I just wanted to say, by way of support, and total honesty on my part: I suffered from severe depression and multiple drug addictions for years, and with the help of cognitive behavioral psychology, managed to get my life back together.

Trust me, I know how crippling anxiety and depression are! I have a bunch of really helpful books to recommend to you, and please… if you ever need to talk with someone who’s lived with a monkey on his back for over 20 years, I’m here!

Nowadays, I’ve achieved a balance I’d never thought possible: much of it comes from writing, but a lot of it came from self examination through writing, as prompted by my therapist and my cognitive psychology manuals (I became my own therapist eventually).

If you’d rather do it privately, let me know what you prefer: Twitter, Insta, FB, Email, I’m on all of them. Just if you want, don’t feel pressured.

You are brave, Alexander, you are not alone — I totally get you!

Much love, strength & mental muscle! :))))

P. (Gonna read the rest of your Riff essay now!)