Last week was National Coming Out Day (on October 11). I work on a University campus, and since campuses are known for social outreach it was a well documented and discussed event. For those of you that don't know, National Coming Out Day is an awareness day focusing on discussion about the coming out process for Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual/Transgendered and Question individuals, especially teenagers and youth.

In reaction to the tragic bullying-induced suicides of recent, this year there was an AMAZING campaign circulating called "It Get's Better" in which many celebrities, persons of influence, and even President Obama delivered testimonials to youth. The message was that even while experiencing the frustrations and challenges of coming out, there is hope. The goal is to let those struggling know that they have support, and to share the important message that despite enduring current hardships, there is an inevitable truth that it does gets better. It is worth holding on with hope (my personal favorite testimonial is from Joel Burns, and you can see the project at www.itgetsbetterproject.com).

While I am not LGBT and have not personally struggled with "coming out" in this traditional sense, the campaign and the discussions were meaningful to me because they illustrated the power and importance of a support system in times of challenge. I am moved by the "It Gets Better" campaign, as I think it so accurately delivers the message many of us need in times of challenge, whatever our challenge may be. In addition to sharing the message that it does get better for LGBT youth, the campaign also focuses on the existence and relevance of support systems during times of hardship.

The value of a support system for anyone feeling difference or isolation or lonliness is evident, and can make all the difference. In thinking about National Coming Out Day, I also reflected back to a few months ago when I first become very aware of my own hair loss, and very very upset by the fears and challenges and anxiety it presented. In June I was feeling very upset, more upset than I have felt in my life. I was crying often, and feeling a sense of hopelessness at my condition. I had not idea where to turn for understanding, and my feelings of loneliness compounded my own sadness.

Then I found this site. A few weeks of scouring the blogs and photos and discussion boards did so much to ease my own depression and fears. It was marvelous. Even though I have never met a single user of this site in person, even though I do not know any of you on an individual level, even through a website community is not alone capable of eliminating many of the perceived challenges of hair loss, I feel supported. Simply knowing there is a community of support available to me made such a difference in a time of personal sadness.

Within weeks of finding this site, my sadness eased. I did not recognize it at the time, but I am certain my shift in moods was in large part due to finding a support network of understanding and caring empathizes. For this site, and the honest and open support granted to the many users, I am thankful.

I know there are many hardships and challenges faced by individuals - whether it be because of sexual orientation, hair loss, race, religion, personality, taste and preference, or beyond - and I am inspired by the knowledge that support is a first step in moving forward. The messages of the "It Gets Better" campaign can be adopted and applied to all of us throughout our lives. I move forward more hopeful, optimistic, and ready to serve as a supporter thanks to the support I have received.