(The author of this story prefers to remain anonymous, yet understands the importance of sharing true and actual events that may benefit others)
“I think everyone at one point in their life can recall when they’ve hit rock bottom. That realization hit me when I was in college. I was a straight A student attending school on a scholarship. I had everything going for me. I had a supportive family and friends, but grew up with an abusive father, leading to low self-esteem which crept in all aspects of my life without even realizing it. I didn’t want to feel bad anymore, so I started to cut myself. I didn’t want to die, but I also didn’t know what to do with myself.”
“Luckily, this began my journey to self-help and healing. I went into counseling, got better, relapsed years later, and finally overcame the struggles I endured for years…and life went on. I learned more about myself, grew, struggled, conquered, and continued to grow some more. It’s trite, but true, you won’t see a rainbow without a storm.”
Share Your Story…it matters. It can change the life of one person, or many. Submit your story and inspire, motivate, encourage, and most of all inform others that they are not alone.
If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of depression, seek help. If you or someone you know is in crisis and contemplating suicide, call 911, go to the Emergency Room, and/or call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline 24/7 at (800) 273-8255.
* Statistics in attached image are referenced by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)