This is supposed to be a very personal thing, but it's been something that's affecting me for years that I wan't to stop.

I've suffered from depression and anxiety since the fourth grade when I was nine (this also includes social anxiety). I'm seventeen now and still haven't figured out how to overcome it. I have problems letting things go, and I hold on to really bad insults and past experiences that have hit me in a very sensitive spot. I'll give one example; I've been abused before. I won't say how.

I think my problem with putting stuff in the past is what's affecting me now. I fall in and out of depression again and again. It's a whole cycle. And I think it's because of everything that's happened. Since I'm very close to going out into the world on my own, I need help now.

I know people don't have things that will guarantee instant relief of depression and suicidal thoughts. If you just has some tools to build up optimism that have worked, I'd like to hear about them. Thanks.

Hello, Squiggy. I kind of feel you here, since I have anxiety and depression as well. What I recommend is having good memories, then holding onto those memories. I'll give an example. Me and my cousins stayed up all night listening to songs and dancing as kids. That's a good memory. If you have any memories that are good, just latch onto them and remember them. They help a lot. Also, get friends who aren't douches.

Thanks, Otachu. I'll keep that one in mind. However, a lot of stuff from 7 years ago or earlier has slipped from me because I keep thinking of the bad times. I'll remember what I can and also remember the good things that have been happening recently.

I'm sorry to hear all that, but keep your chin up okay? I can tell you this, things get better. They always do.

I'm glad that you're making an effort to look and seek optimism. It's something a lot of people don't do, so I commend you for that.

A lot of people would rather just give up and lay in bed all day, drowning in their thoughts, so I'm glad you're strong enough to take that first step.

So what I'll ask of you, is to watch this movie if you haven't already.

I know it sounds dumb, and even if it doesn't relate completely, the core message of this movie is a life changer and I haven't been the same since I saw it.

Maybe you've seen it before, or even heard of it, but it's called

Silver Linings Playbook.


I wish you the best Squiggy, and good luck with everything else :)

Here's a mantra- "In twenty years I will be a different and better person; what's happening to me now will no longer matter as much". I hope this doesn't sound inconsiderate or careless, but it's a relief knowing that everything won't define your life.

Whatever it is you're trying to get through, like family problems, friends, bullying, etc. I believe you can make it. Just make sure you have a way out when you need it (friend's house, library, etc.). Getting out and going somewhere always makes me feel better, especially since nobody will know who I am.
Good luck, you can do it :)

>>4 Thank you so very much for the support. I'll definitely watch it.

>>5 I love going out by myself or with friends, but school, family, and the area around me prevent it. There's a lot of crime going on in my area and my mom always has plans or is really protective. Especially since it's my girlfriend that keeps asking me to go somewhere with her. My mom doesn't approve of my sexual orientation.

I am not going to pretend to understand depression seeing as a chemical imbalance in my brain has robbed me feeling most physical pain and keeps me happy no matter what. but whatever you do take life and squeeze it for all it's worth. do all you can to be happy to achieve that you may have to do a lot of hard things but ultimately when it comes to who you are you need to decide are you happy with you if not change it so that you are if so do all you can to maintain it. If you have some one who values you as a person you have it better than I do everyone I meat either thinks I am retarded because of my speech impediment or think there is something wrong with me cause I am always happy but they would be right I am a monster!

>>8 Oh, stop. You're not a monster. I wish I was happy like you all the time. A disorder or speech impediment doesn't make you any less of a person.

funny look who is reassuring who now! That is not why I am a monster I am one because I was mad and messed with genetically it is the dam reason I started life with black hair then went platinum blond the brown without the aid of hair dye. It is why I can never donate blood less someone else may die when they receive it.It does not matter whether I am the one being hurt or the one causing the pain I incapable feeling any different. But I am not unhappy with being a monster I love it I cant feel any other way about it trust me i tried instead I am looking for some one who excepts me as I am, regardless of the fact that I am a monster once I do I will spend the rest of my life making that person as happy as possible.

encase I came over as snooty or sarcastic I was amused by the ironic twist in spots not poking fun I am no good at that at all.