Opening up.

Bachelor Nation fans got to know and love Kaitlyn Bristowe on Season 19 of “The Bachelor” and Season 11 of “The Bachelorette.”

The former Bachelorette keeps us all updated on her social media pages and podcast, and this week she took to Instagram to open up about her mental health journey.

Alongside a photo of her hugging a Care Bear that says “I’m so glad I’m here,” the former Bachelorette got candid about struggling with dark thoughts over the years. 

Kaitlyn wrote, “Seeing this care bear on my bed in Mexico, compelled me to share. For those who don’t know. I went through a really hard time and hit rock bottom in my late twenties. I had no money, no job, no education, no home, no credit, I had lost myself and got dumped by someone I thought I’d marry. I relied on him emotionally and financially. I also had never processed the death of a best friend. I had to move in with my mom and Rob when I was 27 and there I got addicted to Valium.”

She went on, sharing, “The doctor gave me a suicide assessment. I didn’t want to live. I wanted to numb myself and not wake up. I was full of shame. My step dad got me this Care Bear to hold and I slept with it every night. My mom would play YouTube videos in my sleep for healing. My sister, dad, and step mom all reminded me how loved I was. And selfishly I didn’t think it mattered. I started my therapy journey not long after this.”

Kaitlyn revealed that she still has this Care Bear and sleeps with it every time she sees her family, 12 years later. 

She wrote, “My family and therapy saved my life. Something as simple as a little Care Bear now reminds me of my fight to get my life back, how many baby steps it took, and how things will always get better. I’ve never been more grateful for where I’m at in my life. This bear is almost like my little anchor. Maybe if you’re going through a tough time, find yourself an anchor, and over the years you can reflect on your resilience. It always gets better. I’m so glad I’m here. Please use the comment section to either ask questions, or share your story. I’m not looking for attention through this but rather connection. Love you.”

We are also so glad Kaitlyn is here and we know that her sharing her journey will help others going through something similar.