KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Everyone is dealing with something. While we live in a society that encourages people to speak up and share their stories, it is easy to feel like you are the only one experiencing certain hardships or challenges.
Sometimes the subject of a struggle seems too uncomfortable to discuss with others, even those closest to us.
We wanted to help change this dynamic by providing a space where people can tell their stories about aspects of life that are taboo or unrecognized.
These stories are not meant to offend, trigger bad memories or start arguments.
They are meant to connect people through similar life experiences and create a space where they can feel comfortable sharing their own journeys.
Watch your friends, co-workers and neighbors share parts of their lives and remind you that you are not alone.
If you have a story you would like to share, please feel free to reach out to us at newstips@wbir.com
Reico Hopewell tried to take his own life four times. Years of depression and drug addiction led to homelessness and jail time. Now, he's using these low points to help others who are struggling know that there is always help available.
RELATED: You Are Not Alone: Suicide
Kaitlyn Tucker started cutting calories in high school when she noticed her body didn't look like other girls', and it led to years of struggling with an eating disorder. She wants you to know there is beauty in every body type and you don't need to restrict yourself to love your body.
HER STORY: You Are Not Alone: Eating disorder
Charles Denney was divorced in 2019 after 30 years of marriage. He wants you to know it is not selfish to take time to heal from the process so you can move forward.
HIS STORY: You Are Not Alone: Divorce
Amanda Lovingood had an abortion when she was 29 years old. She wants you to know you are not alone because one in four women has terminated a pregnancy so everyone knows someone who has had an abortion.
HER STORY: You Are Not Alone: Abortion
Emily Palatinus is a working mom with three children. She wants you to know it is possible to balance being a full-time mom with a full-time job.
HER STORY: You Are Not Alone: Working moms
Reagan Dodson was 16 years old when she was placed into foster care after calling the police on her parents to escape a bad situation. She wants you to know that growing up without traditional parents is not something to be ashamed of and you can still have a great life.
HER STORY: You Are Not Alone: Foster care
Zathrus Beeler came out as gay in high school but was told it was wrong. He wants you to know it is OK to be who you are and accept yourself.
HIS STORY: You Are Not Alone: Coming out
Jared Daugherty and his wife are struggling with infertility. He wants you to know it does not have to be an uncomfortable subject and there are options to help you have kids of your own.
HIS STORY: You Are Not Alone: Infertility in men
WATCH ALL OF THEIR STORIES: