I am having a hard time writing what I'm feeling - even while writing this, I feel that my story is "not good enough" - but I want people to know that this feeling is a symptom of your depression, and that it is not your fault.

I struggle daily with self-acceptance, trying to see myself as bright, pretty and kind. Often, I see the opposite - dumb, ugly and mean. The energy that I spend trying to feel "normal" is huge, but it is what I want more then anything in the world -- to be mentally healthy and emotionally stable.

I trust with what little trust that I have, and I reach out for help because I can not do this alone. I want to be a success story so that I can help others. This may not happen next week or next month but it will happen one day if I continue and believe in myself.

Until then, I do the best I can, and I find hope through places like this website, where I can read stories or find resources or even ask for help.

It is all up to me, and today I choose to live.