It's estimated that one in four people in the world will be affected by a form of mental illness at some point in their lives.
Although many Western countries are working to detach the stigma associated with mental illnesses, particularly depression, there's still a long way to go.
Ellie Wilkie from Scotland was heartbroken to see her dad go through a bad bout of depression after the passing of his eldest brother, Jordan, who died from suicide in 2014.
"In January my dad attempted suicide in the family home. The effect was devastating, but luckily for us he survived," Ellie wrote. "The emotions towards my dad were mixed. I resented him for wanting to leave me and my three sisters behind, but at the same time I was devastated thinking about how low he must be.
She thought she lost her dad that day, but Brian Wilkie decided to turn his life around.
Her tribute to her father's battle with mental illness is heartwarming, and the changes in her father's life is inspiring thousands across the world.
With the help from a specialist, Brian gave up alcohol, purchased a gym membership, and has been offered a job as a recovery support worker.
"My dad is now my hero. I've never met someone so focused to change his life and love it."
She was so proud that she posted his story on Twitter, which went viral. The post currently has more than 140,000 likes and 25,000 retweets.
This year began with my dad mentally suffering depression and suicide attempt. Today he ends the year starting his new career in becoming a recovery support worker. Words can't describe how proud we are #breakthestigma It's okay not to be okayâ¤ï¸ pic.twitter.com/HyUu3ZeO2S
— badiddy (@ellzthelephant) November 22, 2017
"I wanted to tell everyone who may also be suffering it's OK not to be OK, particularly because men are stereotypically supposed to be the strong ones," Ellie wrote.
Twitter users responded with emotionally charged comments:
Your dad is an inspiration, and so are you!💜💜👊ðŸ»
— Georgia Stephenson (@G_Stephensonn) November 22, 2017
My year started unfortunately exactly the same as yours and we're still working through it with my dad. But I am SO happy to hear this for you and your dad, and I know that good things are coming for us â¤ï¸â¤ï¸â¤ï¸ #getmentospeakout
— Sophie Bennett (@Sophie_Bennett) November 22, 2017
So proud of your parents and families for working through this, it's not easy. I've lost a couple family members and friends to suicide and its devastating. Sending lots of support and love to your families 💛🤘ðŸ¼
— Britt (@WeGot2Away) November 24, 2017
Share this heartwarming story and spread the message that "it's okay not to be okay."
[Source: BBC]