Something most people don’t know about me is that I’ve struggled with horrible depression since I was a child. I can’t explain what it’s like. If you’ve ever dealt with mental health issues, then I know you understand what I mean.

Some days I wake up, go to yoga, go to work, study, paint, etc. The next day I might not leave bed the entire day. Some days I just ask God, “why me? why do I have to feel this way?” I know others have it much worse though, and I’d rather deal with this than ever wish it on someone else.

I’ve been taking medicine and going to therapy for two years now, but that is not a cure all. It has taken a lot of time to get to a point where I feel stable.

These days, I just take care of myself the best I can. Take it day by day. Exercise. Eat right. I’ve found hobbies that I find joy in.

I just want people to know that it is okay to reach out for help. It is perfectly normal to take medicine. Mental illness is not a personal failure. Things do get better.

I used to honestly believe that I was meant to live in misery and that I would never be happy, but I am so glad that I sought help and feel like my life actually has purpose now.

I just hope anyone dealing with something like this has the courage to live on, and knows that they can be okay too.

Kelly