All I knew was, I didn’t choose depression, it chose me. I’d seen it rip apart families, tear up sweet souls, and steal lives of innocent people. And it was after me, too. The day I met depression, I was sure it had ahold of me. I could feel it lurking in every ounce of my mind and body.

It stole nearly everything that was me:

     My energy.
     My strength.
     My sleep.
     My habits.
     My thoughts.
     My hopes.
     Even my faith.

The day I met depression was the day my life nearly stopped; I stood in front of a mirror and looked depression straight in the eye. We battled. I almost lost.

In the year 2006, I was 16 years old and I survived a battle with suicide.

I don’t really know why, but I was given another chance at life. My heart was still beating, my lungs were still breathing, and I was still alive.

Everything you could hear and imagine was in that hospital room: IVs, wires, tubes, hoses, beeps, screams, weeping, the works. But the best part was the ghostly, pale faces of my dear family.

How in the world did I let the world’s worst enemy nearly kill me?

The memory is a slight blur, but to be honest, I'm ok with that. Sometimes I feel ashamed of my past, not because I tried to end my life, but because of what I put my family through. I try my best to look at the bright side in this, which is:

I will never attempt to battle with depression again, alone. 

I have so much to live for now, and my life has turned out much better than I ever thought it could.  That's why I'm glad I lived.  If you are hurting and looking depression in the mirror as I did, don't face the battle alone.  You have things in the future worth living for.  Choose to get help.  Choose life.

     There are many safe places to get support.
        1-800-SUICIDE
        1-714-NEWTEEN
        Text: teen2teen to 839863

     You can contact any of these numbers, even if you just want to talk or get information.

How are you?
 
Today must be hard.
I’m here for you.
 
Thinking of you.
 
I know things have been tough.
Don’t give up.
 
Remember, you are never alone.
I’m just a text away.
 
Better things are coming.
Hang in there.
 
The world may say, “Give up,”
but I say, “Try it one more time.”
 
I hope you realize how awesome you are.
 
Today is a new day. Let's seize it.

You can't stop the waves, but you can learn how to surf.

Remember: You are one of a kind and have
something great to offer.
 
Breathe.  It’s just a bad day, not a bad life.
 
Quote for the day: One small crack doesn’t mean you're broken. 
It means you didn’t fall apart.
 
Push through this. It’ll be worth it.
 
 You've got this.

If you need anything, I'm here.

You can always talk to me.  

May the force be with you, my friend.

I can't imagine my life without you!

You know what I love about you? 
I love...

Want to hang out?

​Three things:
You are not alone.
You are not weak.
You are worthy.

What a great day to overcome!

Your struggle is real, and so is your hope.

Another day to breathe.  Another day to heal.

Good morning, beautiful. Get ready for a great day.

Together, friend, we can do this.

Praying that you would be filled with strength and
peace today.

Note:  You are awesome just the way you are.

Life's problems wouldn't be called hurdles if there
weren't a way to get over them.

Believe you can and you're halfway there. --Theodore Roosevelt

Keep on swimming, swimming, swimming....

Don't worry your pretty, little mind.
People throw rocks at things that shine.

The best view comes after the hardest climb.

I've failed over and over and over again in life, and that
is why I succeed. - Michael Jordan

Believe in yourself just as you are.  Know that
there is something inside you that is greater than
any obstacle. - Christian D. Larson

You are meant for more.
           Although you may be feeling an intense pain right now, your life still has a purpose. Suicide survivors will tell
          you, you'll wake up one morning and find that your pain is gone and your life has become everything you'd
          hoped it would be.  Don't give up.

You are stronger than you think.
          You are not hopeless or useless, and mental illness does not define you.  Even though it's hard to hold on right
          now, dig down deep and do whatever you need to find your strength. Strength kicks mental illness in the butt.

Your future is worth it.
          This is not the end of your story, and there is a whole wide world out there filled with amazing things you have
          yet to experience. Dreams and hopes can come true, friend. Keep believing you are worthy of this happy life.  

You are loved much more than you think.
          You may feel alone and unloved, but don't let these negative thoughts fool you.  There are people in your life   
          who love and care for you.  Look for that love and believe it when you see it.

Others are counting on your help.
          Because of your experiences, you have the ability to understand people who have similar struggles, and 
          you can offer them a helping hand and a listening ear right when they need it.  Many lives have been saved
          by ordinary heroes just like you.

Keep living, friend.  Don't let depression convince you there's no hope.