Trigger warning: this piece discusses themes of depression.
I have struggled with depression and mental health all my life, and once I got my diagnosis I thought that was the end of my recovery, that I could never outlive my diagnosis as it felt so binding. However, I learnt my diagnosis doesn’t define me and I want you to know that your diagnosis does not define you. What defines you is how you react to it, the strength and determination that I have every day to get up and choose to fight has honestly changed my life.
My teachers, therapists, friends and family have helped me through so much. I’m not saying it’s easy or that once you are in a good place you will stay there but there is always hope. It is honestly worth fighting for. Your life is worth living and there is absolutely no debate about that. Get up every day to find your own future; depression is not your life, outlive it!
-Jess
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