# @resilienttoday on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/CBdRSv4FHJ6
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/1179546-resilienttoday-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/a7022ef184.jpg
- **Posted:** 2020-06-15T13:25:57.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Lost&Found (@resilienttoday) — https://gondola.cc/resilienttoday

## Caption

This week's #SundayStories features a respected community leader who forged their own path with hard word, dedication, and love for others and themselves. We're so excited for all of you to learn more about Josh Sorbe!
.
❓ If you’re willing to share, could you tell us about your mental health journey or connection with suicide?
.
Josh: "My mental health journey started very early. I vividly remember isolating myself as a child, dropped off at school and orderly standing by the entrance to the classroom while my peers played on the playground. I felt “other" in almost every situation, and waves of social anxiety and depression absorbed my life. I found two outlets: studying and swimming (because neither required frequently talking with others). I used them as a safe space to shield my identity as a closeted LGBTQ kid in a circle without gay mentorship, conversations, or a role model. A specific locker-room incident during 8th grade led me to have a transformative perspective change. I had suicidal thoughts and entered counseling, but it served as a defining moment in my life: I realized I could coast through school and keep bending to expectations with disdain, but instead I wanted to authentically pursue my own path. I learned to accept my sexuality and persona as a strength of mine, and high school and college Josh found a new confidence allowing him to thrive. I became a collegiate athlete, Student Body President, Truman Scholar, etc. etc., but most importantly I became a friend. I still struggle in hyper-masculine situations and have waves of anxiety and see a counselor, but I know I’m valid. Importantly,I know  I can contribute a new perspective to a group. When I would see new athletes, students, or peers, I always remember my times of hardest struggles — knowing anyone can be in that period right now too."
.
Hear more from Josh later this week during his Instagram takeover.
#WeAreHere #PrideMonth #ResilientToday #LGBTQ #SundayStoriesLF

## Stats

- **Views:** 0
- **Likes:** 36
- **Shares:** 0
- **Comments:** 0

## Tags

sundaystorieslf, resilienttoday, pridemonth, lgbtq, sundaystories, wearehere

---
Copyright (c) Gondola