“I’ve struggled with depression, anxiety, self-harm, eating problems, and suicidal thoughts.
When I was 17 years old, I tried to end my life. About 2 months later, I created an anonymous Twitter account in which I used as a way to escape from the real world. It helped me in many ways and as I started to get healthier, I decided to change the name of it and use it to help others who were struggling. I eventually changed the name of it and today that account, called Spread the Love, has more than 70,000 followers.
My Twitter account was the way that I coped with my struggles and although I don’t struggle with things like self-harm and suicidal thoughts anymore, my battles with seasonal depression and anxiety have been ongoing.
Many things have changed between now and when I was 17 and suicidal, but one thing that hasn’t is my Twitter account. I still go back to it whenever I feel sad. Helping others helps me. Just like when I was 17, it’s my way of coping and it’s helped me more than anything else ever has. It’s like my little baby that has grown up- I would never give it away for anything.
My advice for anyone who is struggling is to find that healthy coping strategy. For me, it’s helping others. I’ve always been a very ambitious person and I’ve always wanted to do something that I’ll be remembered for. Nothing makes me happier than knowing I helped somebody else.
If you can find that something that makes you genuinely happy, like writing music or art or playing a sport or whatever, and you turn to it during your darkest times, you’ll have a reason to keep going. Also, surround yourself with people who genuinely care about you, not just when you’re happy, but in your darkest times as well. And always remember that this world needs you. You are loved and people do care. ”
Thanks for sharing these stories. Since I have been more open about my own struggles with anxiety and depression, I have found a lot of common ground with other people. You don’t know what is going on in another person’s life. I don’t complain about it but state it as a fact, something that I live with. I manage it now but I know I am not cured.