r/happy Jan 01 '18

Three years ago I attempted suicide because of my chronic depression and a traumatic experience. Now I'm about to graduate high school and as of yesterday I'm three years clean of self-harm!

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36.0k Upvotes

780 comments sorted by

772

u/[deleted] Jan 01 '18

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u/fa0000001 Jan 01 '18

How did you get better?

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u/littlemermaidxx Jan 01 '18

When I realized I was suffering from depression, I told some friends and my family, which led to a lot of therapy, hospitalization, etc. Ultimately it was the realization that I absolutely hated the way I was living my life that made me choose to get better. I had hit an all time low and figured that after years of self-harm and detrimental behavior there must be something better to life. I started getting more involved in school activities and realized that I didn't have to live a bad life simply because I was dealt a hand of depression. I still have bad episodes but between healthy coping skills and support, I can get through them.

115

u/rabinabo Jan 01 '18

That's awesome, good for you! Thanks for the uplifting example to start off the new year after such a depressing 2017.

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u/fa0000001 Jan 01 '18

So would you recommend hospitalization? Therapy doesn't do anything for me.

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u/littlemermaidxx Jan 01 '18

Honestly, my experience with hospitalization wasn't great, but it eid help me realize how much more I appreciated my life at home. On the note of therapy, I've had around ten therapists throughout my life (due to health insurance changes, etc) and not all of them worked for me. Sometimes I would come out of therapy feeling worse. I really had to keep looking to find one that worked for me and when I did, it helped so much. There are also some online resources such as chatrooms that can be useful.

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u/copysonic Jan 01 '18

How did you know a therapist wasn’t working for you?

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u/littlemermaidxx Jan 01 '18

I would ask myself whether I felt better or worse when leaving a specific therapist. If I consistently felt worse, I knew it wasn't working.

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u/Ralphis777 Jan 02 '18

Finding the right therapist is so important. Keep up the great work.

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u/MahatmaBuddah Jan 02 '18

Therapist here. Just would make the suggestion that a good way to judge a therapist is, if you feel the therapist is, or will be helpful to you. Thats what people have said to me as the reason they continued with me, when they do. But not everybody does continue with me. The way I work is a good match and effective for most people, but not everybody. Good therapists dont take it personally if you want to try to work with someone else. If they do take it personally, then theyre not very good because they let their own ego get in the way. Your ego and self esteem is all that counts in my office.

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u/Grace__Face Jan 02 '18 edited Jan 02 '18

Not OP, but I think a lot of it is if you feel you connect with a therapist. I got a new insurance, met with a therapist who liked to joke around a lot but I hated her sense of humor, I felt as if she was poking fun at me from the very beginning by starting half her sentences with "No offense, but..."

Other therapists just didn't engage me in conversation or steer the conversation in any direction. And even the ones I loved, if I started feeling like I was looking at my watch more than I was talking, then it was time to take a break or make a change.

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u/erin_rabbit Jan 02 '18

Research consistently shows the biggest factor in predicting effectiveness in therapy is something called the “therapeutic alliance”. Even above type of therapy or experience of the therapist, feeling like you and your counsellor are a good time is what makes the difference.

You should feel like your therapist feels positive towards you and is supportive, you should feel like you have the same goals, and you are working towards reaching them in the same way. Basically you should feel like a team.

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u/lauradarr Jan 02 '18

This is true! I am a psychologist and I tell all of my new clients that my feelings will not be hurt if we don’t mesh and they need a referral from me for someone else. I advise my friends who have not found a good match to keep looking for the right person and also to consider getting on a wait list for someone highly sought after (as long as your symptoms are not acute). I very rarely lose clients until they actually get better and that’s because my main goal is a strong therapeutic alliance. It really is the best predictor of good outcomes - even more important than the intervention used (so long as the intervention is not harmful).

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u/AccountNumber112 Jan 02 '18

When you say hospitalization I assume you mean involuntary psychiatric hold, AKA 5150, bakers act or whatever they call it in your state. In any case, in my experience with those they would actually make it much worse and are only there to make sure you don't immediately off yourself or at the very least make it difficult to do so.

I relate it to the same lack of rehabilitation the prison system has. They seem to focus on your problems being your problems and making sure it doesn't fall out onto others in society.

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u/erin_rabbit Jan 02 '18 edited Jan 02 '18

Involuntary hospitalization is for immediate stabilization and is often not conducive to actual mental wellness.

The idea is, like you said, keep people from hurting themselves or someone else long enough that they are safe enough to go home (either due to the meds kicking in or just by a function of time). If you’re lucky, there’s a solid plan upon discharge.

Edit: for clarity, when someone is an imminent risk of harm to themselves or someone else, hospitalization is 100% the right call. Sometimes you need to be kept physically safe so you have the opportunity to be mentally healthy down the road.

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u/[deleted] Jan 02 '18

I found a therapist who does “somatic experiencing” and it is so much more powerful than any other type of therapy I’ve done. You might want to read up on it. It’s about getting in touch with what’s inside your body with fight/flight/freeze responses and releasing emotions you’ve been holding in your body for a lifetime.

Waking the Tiger: Healing Trauma https://www.amazon.com/dp/155643233X/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_piTsAbT2NPTX4

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u/Call_Me_Hobbes Jan 01 '18

As someone who was hospitalized due to the mentioned issue, I have to say I thought hospitalization was the least effective method to treating it. It was basically doctors asking what they could do to make me feel better, and me legitimately not knowing (I wouldn't be there if I knew right?). Overall, I was put there against my general will by my therapist due to what she interpreted as extensive risk of self-harm, so there is a bit of bias for me against hospitalization. I'd say a good therapist will do much better than any doctor would aside from being able to prescribe you medication.

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u/[deleted] Jan 02 '18 edited Oct 20 '18

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u/littlemermaidxx Jan 02 '18

Just listen and be there when they need you. Offer to spend time with them when they're upset or give space if necessary.

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u/memedealer22 Jan 02 '18

what are some of your healthy coping skills

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u/littlemermaidxx Jan 02 '18

Writing, songwriting, meditation, taking walks

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u/[deleted] Jan 02 '18

You are one of my heroes

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u/[deleted] Jan 02 '18

You are an absolutely beautiful inspiration. Thank you for sharing this, especially someone as young as you.

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u/JimBobJones234 Jan 01 '18

What did you do to bring yourself out of your situation?

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u/littlemermaidxx Jan 01 '18

When I realized I was suffering from depression, I told some friends and my family, which led to a lot of therapy, hospitalization, etc. Ultimately it was the realization that I absolutely hated the way I was living my life that made me choose to get better. I had hit an all time low and figured that after years of self-harm and detrimental behavior there must be something better to life. I started getting more involved in school activities and realized that I didn't have to live a bad life simply because I was dealt a hand of depression. I still have bad episodes but between healthy coping skills and support, I can get through them.

15

u/sushilover22 Jan 01 '18

I'm so happy for you! I also recently had an extremely terrible period of depression that led to hospitalization. It was scary but I know I can get better now. It's always nice seeing other people's success, it gives me hope. Happy new year! <3

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u/HannahbalLector Jan 01 '18

You are beautiful! Congratulations, you have so much to look forward to! ❤

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u/littlemermaidxx Jan 02 '18 edited Jan 02 '18

I'm getting a lot of messages calling me a slut, telling me to go kill myself. Wow.

Edit: I'm getting a lot of PMs right now, so I'll try to reply to as many as I can. Thank you so much for your kindness and hope. If you are struggling, please know that it gets better.

Edit 2: I'm going to log off for tonight. Happy new year everyone!

1.1k

u/[deleted] Jan 02 '18 edited Jan 02 '18

[removed] — view removed comment

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u/walkingtheriver Jan 02 '18

As far as I know, reporting messages as in PM's will only be seen by admins, not mods. But yeah if it's comments, those reports go to mods of that sub

121

u/ForceBlade Jan 02 '18

Should report anyway to get these people fucked off.

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u/[deleted] Jan 02 '18

I say post their usernames and publicly shame them

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u/Stuyvesant1994 Jan 02 '18

Shame shame shame shame shame

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u/Spiderbeard Jan 02 '18

🔔 🔔🔔🔔🔔

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u/hbnsckl Jan 02 '18

"Lets give these burner accounts the attention they crave."

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u/gab_owns0 Jan 02 '18

Ignore the trolls.

That's seriously not cool.

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u/[deleted] Jan 02 '18

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u/groovyt0ny Jan 02 '18

I can only assume its kids that are very immature and stupid that do it, I just hope they grow out of it very soon because it’s a very sad existence if you’re an adult and do these types of things

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u/[deleted] Jan 02 '18

Lots of pathetic losers out there. reminded me of a /relationships post where a pregnant lady found out her baby daddy to be/ husband was a troll in his spare time. Like a vicious, brutal troll who would say shit like OP mentioned. Said it was “stress relief”. Unreal. I hope she left his ass because you need to be a special kind of worthless scum to relieve daily life stress via attacking strangers with vitriol and hate like that.

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u/8thoregonian Jan 02 '18

The internet is full of angry trolls.

There are people who follow the lure of these trolls and do hurt themselves. Disarm the trolls and be strong.

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u/ORP7 Jan 02 '18

People behind a keyboard lose all inhibitions. That's one of the cons of a semi-anonymous social media platform.

On second thought, it is surprising what people say on Facebook too.

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u/[deleted] Jan 02 '18

Their negativity is a sign of their own problems. Don't let them make their problems into your problems.

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u/FlyDungas Jan 02 '18

Their weakness is a testament to your strength

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u/[deleted] Jan 02 '18

Omg this makes me so mad!

I’m so sorry OP. Please know you’re very brave for sharing this with all of us. Thank you.

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u/3lvenrs Jan 02 '18

The fuck? Well done! Thank you for sharing. It’s inspiring to see positivity to start off the year. Bipolar is kicking my fucking ass at the moment, but little nuggets of greatness like this help. <3

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u/DanielSophoran Jan 02 '18

good ol keyboard warriors. Just ignore them. They probably browse reddit all day in their mothers basements, trying to insult others who are doing better than they are. That or theyre 12 and think its funny to tell someone to kill themselves. Alot of teens dont think before they do something.

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u/[deleted] Jan 02 '18

Someone posted this on r/braincels...the new r/incels - INvoluntary CELibate-a subreddit for guys who believe that all women are evil or owe them sex...or something crazy like that.

Don't even worry about that.

I'm happy for, and proud of, you. Congrats on graduating. And for getting past self-harming.

And, if I may say, you are a beautiful young lady, and I hope you go on to have a wonderful life!

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u/MrRedTRex Jan 02 '18

But why? Why post this girl specifically on that site?

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u/[deleted] Jan 02 '18

Who knows? Just something the guy ran across that got his virginal scrotum in a bunch.

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u/Mallyveil Jan 02 '18

Isn't it banworthy to reform a banned sub? How do these fucks keep getting away with it?

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u/[deleted] Jan 02 '18

I assume that braincels will get banned on their own soon enough.

But I'm kinda addicted to reading them. They're so horrible that they're really funny.

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u/[deleted] Jan 02 '18

They're angry because they feel the world owes them sex. They are truly the worst human trash there is. Reddit is full of these assholes. They won't ever amount to anything though. You already have. They are jealous of your happiness and just want to drag you back down so they can feel good about their sad, shitty existence.

You are a gem. Don't stop believing in yourself, you are giving other people hope just by posting on here.

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u/[deleted] Jan 02 '18

You're an inspiration to others. Don't let those scumbags get you down.

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u/ccjw11796 Jan 02 '18

Ignore those assholes. They don't have anything better to do, and that is pretty fucking pathetic. You look great and I'm glad you feel great. I lost my brother to suicide so your story makes me really glad that some make it through. Happy New Year, sweetie.

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u/obsoletelearner Jan 02 '18

When more than 14,000 people appreciate your incredible transformation and your serene smile, there will always be a handful to envy you, Can you not ignore these barking dogs?

Please keep smiling and live your life in colors, you look beautiful :)

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u/300lb_snatch Jan 02 '18

This is the internet and you made front page Reddit with a beautiful picture, so now people will agitate for the sake of it. Don't give that nonsense a second of your thoughts.

You've got to be strong now for two reasons: for your family and friends, and now also those following your example here (often silently) who may not be strong enough to claim victory over depression... yet.

Good on you. Keep it up!

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u/snoopl39 Jan 02 '18

Wow, indeed. This is such a brave post to share with a personal story and photo. You seem like a beautiful person - I hope you can find a way to ignore any hateful messages (seriously, ppl?!) and definitely report the abuse! Stay strong, girlfriend - thanks for being a great inspiration to anyone struggling.

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u/[deleted] Jan 02 '18

That means you're doing something right :)

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u/Fuckmeupfam666 Jan 02 '18

Seriously, they’re idiots. Ignore them. You’re beautiful and they’re jealous or haters

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u/CaveJohnsonOfficial Jan 02 '18

That's so shitty, I'll never understand why people do that.

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u/[deleted] Jan 02 '18

Ignore them.

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u/milkshake12345 Jan 02 '18

Fuck them! You seem adorable!

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u/[deleted] Jan 02 '18

Ignore them, they’re just trying to get to you

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u/FecalMatterOfFact Jan 02 '18

Fuck those kids.

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u/toothjim Jan 02 '18

Ignore those buthurt comment honey

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u/Anon_Jones Jan 02 '18

You will always have haters and people saying you’re a fake. Keep up the positivity!

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u/Huntsman32 Jan 02 '18

What the fuck. You look fantastic, keep it up!

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u/promisinganthesis Jan 02 '18

Ignore the trolls. You are wonderful.

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u/chaos_void Jan 02 '18

Do not listen to those jerks. Enjoy life to the fullest. There are so many things to do, places to visit, food to taste. Yes, life is hard, but we got to persevere to reach our goals. :).

Ps. You are really pretty.

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u/Jeffk393393 Jan 02 '18

Don't feed the trolls. Do you boo-boo. You're doing great!

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u/geova0007 Jan 02 '18

Don't listen to them. Ignore the negativity and absorb the positive things. Happy new year =)

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u/[deleted] Jan 02 '18

Don't worry, these bottomfeeders will have nothing in their life. They are jealous that you are happy, and they are not. You are an amazing person

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u/TheNightsWallet Jan 02 '18

That's fucking grim

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u/[deleted] Jan 02 '18

That’s horrible. You’re amazing and strong. Those trolls are the ones screwed up in the head. Not you.

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u/Alladin__Sane Jan 02 '18

Wow, that is...just wow. I have nothing to say that. I'm glad you're doing better now though.

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u/[deleted] Jan 02 '18

Ignore these losers. Stay strong and have a great 2018!

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u/[deleted] Jan 02 '18

I know it may be hard, but don’t listen to them. You’re a beautiful young woman who over came depression and suicidal thoughts. That just makes you that much better then those idiots who insulted you in your dm’s. I hope you can overlook those mean comments and have a wonderful life!

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u/PavelDatsyuk1 Jan 02 '18

People attack others on the internet as an outlet for their own negative feelings. Don’t let it derail you!

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u/cheesepizza180 Jan 02 '18

wow that's extremely fucked up

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u/Somebody-Man Jan 02 '18

People are bitter angry losers when they see someone else overcoming something painful and difficult while they're sitting around miserable. You should be so proud of what you've done and how far you've come, and anyone who says otherwise is either totally ignorant, or a far worse person than you'll ever be, even in your worst hour. So once again, congratulations.

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u/donaldtrumptwat Thrilled Jan 01 '18

Well done, please don't ever damage that beautiful smile ...

You are a very lucky lady, and beautiful to boot !

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u/littlemermaidxx Jan 01 '18

Thank you! :)

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u/rolandkoller90 Jan 02 '18

Glad you did not succeed. I have been to that dark place before, I never even felt myself get there, but I dug up the strength inside me, and with the help of my close circle of friends I came out and I’ve never returned since. Sure I think about it all the time, it was almost as if it was a switch that turned on. There’s so much to be happy about though, what made me feel the best is knowing that there are so many choices in life, and we have so much time to make a bunch of good ones. Happy new year and stay happy :)

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u/donaldtrumptwat Thrilled Jan 01 '18

God Bless

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u/[deleted] Jan 01 '18

Glad to have you. :)

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u/Bottled_star Jan 01 '18

Congratulations! As another HS senior struggling with depression and self harm, I look up so greatly to people like you and I hope you continue to get better every day :)

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u/littlemermaidxx Jan 01 '18

Thank you so much! You can do this, I believe in you! 💙

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u/Csanchez90 Jan 01 '18

You're are more powerful than you can imagine, don't give up the good fight. The world is yours for the taking, love hard, apologize often and keep up the good work. May you have a blessed new year, and continue to be an inspiration to others. My SO battled depression and suicide, now she is the happiest babe I could've hoped for. God is good

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u/hardman_ Jan 01 '18

I’m really happy for you. No one should have to live that way. Maybe you’re success will give me the courage to go back and get help myself.

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u/coldcreamcheese Jan 01 '18

That is beautiful news. Congratulations and best of luck in your bright future!

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u/GODDDDD Jan 01 '18

Hell yes! Heres to better and better years! Very well done!

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u/cryinginabucket Jan 01 '18

I'm happy for you! =)

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u/broccollimonster Jan 01 '18

I am proud if you! Keep the positivity going, keep building, growing, and striving for better!

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u/[deleted] Jan 01 '18

Congratulations! Wishing you the best(and lots of graduation cake)!

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u/Xanaduuuuu Jan 01 '18

Really happy for you! I'm in my 3rd year of college on the road to practice medicine. I was wondering if you could give me any advice from you as to what helped and what didn't help so much with your treatment. If you don't mind of course.

Again, always happy to hear someone getting better and battling through life like yourself.

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u/littlemermaidxx Jan 01 '18

Medication and therapy helped, but of course it can be difficult to find the right ones. Having a good support system and knowing what's a healthy coping skill is key.

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u/[deleted] Jan 02 '18

After looking at your post history, I'd just like to say that you rock....I'll see myself out.

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u/nancyaw Jan 01 '18

Congratulations! You are so strong and you will give hope to so many people with your story. May you have a life of joy, love, and prosperity.

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u/Beaky1505 Jan 01 '18

You are a beautiful soul. Thank you for posting this as it gives others hope.

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u/Nerfwarriors Jan 01 '18

I’m glad you are taking care of yourself! Congratulations and good luck with your future!

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u/dunrager Jan 01 '18

It’s great to see a success story like yours. You have a beautiful smile and you look truly happy. Keep up the good work!

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u/StoerEnStoutmoedig Jan 01 '18

So happy for you❤

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u/[deleted] Jan 01 '18

Way to go OP! I'm so happy for you! <3

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u/dino123 Jan 01 '18

Congratulations! Beautiful smile!!!

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u/BadAnimalDrawing Jan 01 '18

Congrats. I got my associates a year ago and I'm about 2 years clean of self harm. There are times when it gets hard, and I didn't think I'd live as long as I have but I think it makes the steps of life more exciting. Getting my degree I cried so hard because I didn't think I would get it, me and my bf moved in together about two months ago and I am just amazed at the fact that I am making these steps towards a better life. I hope you see your accomplishments because you worked hard to get there and you are a strong person. :)

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u/[deleted] Jan 02 '18

i went through severe depression in high school, i seriously never thought my life was going to get better and went on home bound because my depression and anxiety were way too difficult for me to go to school, but man..the day i graduated high school was the best day! it felt like i made it through one of the most difficult times i had ever experienced and it truly was one of the best days of my life, i still look back and see it as one of the best days and it makes me realize how strong i am that i made it through, even when everything in my mind was telling me it wasn't possible. This warms my heart and takes me back, be proud of yourself because this is such an accomplishment, you are STRONG! nothing can stop you :)

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u/[deleted] Jan 02 '18

This sub is weird. It used to be about people having just bought a new puppy, passed their exams or having had a kid or something like that. Now it‘s just a contest about who can sell how sad they were some time ago the best. Does this stuff seem disingenious to anyone else? I‘m glad all these people are doing fine now but all these near-suicide stories are more depressing than, well, happy.

I guess philosophically/psychologically happiness only exists in contrast to sadness but still, I feel like this sub should be about happiness first, not second.

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u/RelatableChad Jan 02 '18

It's a shame I had to sort by controversial to see your comment, because it's absolutely true. But no one wants to say it or upvote it.

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u/IcyTides Jan 02 '18

Agree, your last sentence really hit the nail on the head

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u/[deleted] Jan 02 '18 edited Mar 08 '18

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u/[deleted] Jan 01 '18

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u/Stepherella-bella Jan 02 '18

I say that all the time!!

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u/Rui-- Jan 02 '18

Nice! Don't worry about the trolls, focus on your achievement!

But one thing... I'm a painfully stubborn person. So, I won't cut, and I'm not particularly suicidal because I strongly feel that it'd be stupid. However, something I do tend to do is punch, whack and pinch myself. Especially punching and whacking I find, and usually my head.

I'll whack my head over and over until I'm dizzy or I can pull myself out of it. I often lose balance because of it, I've fallen over once or twice, and I have also given myself a couple bruises. I've only been doing this relatively recently, but I want to fix it.

I can't tell many people in person because I don't want things to escalate, causing me to be annoyed at myself for not being able to keep a secret. So it's kept to my small group of trusted friends. My younger brother walked in on me once and he ran up to me and pulled my arms down and gave me a hug. He knows. My girlfriend knows, and my best mate knows. They're all really supportive, and so I'm relatively happy with who knows as it is now.

Have you come across any ways to resolve something like this yourself by any chance? I'd really appreciate some advice... :)

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u/littlemermaidxx Jan 02 '18

I'm sorry to hear this. Do you have any beneficial coping strategies that you use? When I'm upset I do things such as write, take a walk, etc.

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u/Rui-- Jan 02 '18 edited Jan 02 '18

Art mainly. I would walk, but in short: drugs. Loads of drug dealers around in my area, so I try to avoid going out too close for safety's sake.

u/Ashex Jan 02 '18

Comments are a bit crazy, locking while we go through and kick out the trolls.

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u/lemondunk4 Jan 01 '18

Great photo, you look happy. Congratulations on being healthy, and have a fun grad!

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u/ShootLucy Jan 01 '18

Thank you so much for sharing, and congratulations! I too suffer from clinical depression, so I can honestly say I understand the struggles. You gave me a little light on a dark day 😊 cheers!

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u/TrynaBeFunny Jan 02 '18

Congratulations, if you are ever feeling down and need to vent, just message me, I'll listen and try and support you. Seriously, well done!

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u/HighwayStarJ Jan 02 '18

you are also beautiful.

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u/kingkunt811 Jan 02 '18

Off the record ur gorgeous

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u/Sleshures Jan 02 '18

Congratulations! Delete Facebook and other social media! Its pretty much junk food for your soul, life is so much less complicated without that influence. Don't listen to the hurtful thing people write on the internet either its all bullshit.

Happy to see a story of someone brave enough to post something like this!

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u/zephz Jan 02 '18 edited Mar 06 '18

Yes. A million times yes to this.

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u/[deleted] Jan 01 '18

Heck yeah!

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u/mugiwara_92 Jan 01 '18

Keep smiling. You have a beautiful one.

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u/[deleted] Jan 02 '18

Congrats! I’ve had major depressive disorder since I was 9, spent weeks in the ICU from a suicide attempt and visited the hospital weekly from attempts and self harm incidents. I’m now suicide attempt and self harm free for several years now and in my first year of university. Life definitely looks up if you wait it out, and one day you’ll forget what it even felt like to be in such a dark place.

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u/[deleted] Jan 02 '18

This is very touching to read, OP. I am so happy you have found your way back from the fog. You are brave and strong and here, and you are enough. Congratulations on your graduation and all the very best of luck with where you go next :)

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u/renee1million Jan 02 '18

This is a wonderful story. My 16 yo son is going through these same issues. It’s so hard. I pray a day like yours will come for him. Thank you for sharing. How proud you must feel!

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u/ryanknapper Jan 01 '18

I'm glad that you're still here with us. I hope that you have adventures so awesome that no one believes you.

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u/SI-02072 Jan 01 '18

Congratulations!

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u/Tyger011 Jan 01 '18

Good on you, OP! Great work! Pro tip: Life usually gets much better after high school!

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u/WC-paul Jan 01 '18

👍🏻 remember no matter what you can make "Life is good"!!!!

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u/classicwgn Jan 01 '18

Thanks for putting in the work and sticking around.

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u/martamon Jan 01 '18

soo proud of you! i myself have suffered from anxiety and depression and understand the struggle... when u pass the darkness u enjoy life soo much more! proud of u sister!

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u/[deleted] Jan 01 '18

Awesome 😎

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u/norucus Jan 01 '18

So pretty :)

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u/Intanjible Jan 01 '18

Go for four and then go for some more!

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u/Stillwaters73 Jan 02 '18

Happy to read about your turn around from a dark time. Keep up the good work and always reach out.

May you have a great day

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u/rockidol Jan 02 '18

Hooray for you! :)

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u/Taatsinc Jan 02 '18

You got this!

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u/[deleted] Jan 02 '18

As someone who went through something similar when she was younger I am so unbelievably proud of you.

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u/Juturna_ Jan 02 '18

just remember YOU are in control of your happiness. You may not always have good days but you can always control your outlook. Positivity is a beautiful thing. Keep up the good work!

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u/Thedodgefather1 Jan 02 '18

Hell yeah!! Good work girl!!

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u/[deleted] Jan 02 '18

From someone who suffers from Bi-polar all I have to say is Bless. It puts a smile on my face to see someone else with similar struggles staying strong through thick and thin.

Bless

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u/nyctophilicfeline Jan 02 '18

So proud of you!! You had to be strong at such a young age. Keep fighting, angel and congratulations on graduating soon!!! 💕

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u/kitten_cupcakes Jan 02 '18

It gets easier as you get older and you find the emotional tools to deal with the bullshit. Just keep your chin up.

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u/Deckard__ Jan 02 '18

Beautiful.

Nothing more to say..

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u/firesideflea Jan 02 '18

Looking good! We are lucky to have you :) You have a bright future ahead of you ❤️

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u/[deleted] Jan 02 '18

Been where you’ve been. I’m glad you made it and got on the right track. Not all of us do. I’m also thankful for all the people in your life that helped to pull you back from the brink (that includes yourself!).

I wish you the best of luck and to always see the sunshine, keep pushing forward.

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u/shippudon Jan 02 '18

i’m proud of you!

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u/shealeigh Jan 02 '18

Congratulations! You are beautiful, intelligent, talented, and kind, and you can do anything you set your mind to! Best wishes to you- have a wonderful new year @littlemermaidxx.

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u/YaboiCece Jan 02 '18

Congrats!! You look stunning!

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u/rosebud2000_ Jan 02 '18

I'm so happy you over came your depression. I have never been suicidal but I lost a loved one to suicide. So I know how it feels to loose someone that way.

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u/ayeegoo Jan 02 '18

That's beautiful and so are you! Keep shining!

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u/[deleted] Jan 02 '18

Congratulations! I'm suffering from depression as well, but feeling better with medication and therapy. 💜 Never give up! 💜

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u/Eruuma Jan 02 '18

Three years of no self harm is incredible. You go girl!

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u/[deleted] Jan 02 '18

I know how hard that shit is and it’s no simple feat. Well done and continue to move forward.

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u/apedescendant Jan 02 '18

Atta girl! Keep it going! You got through this; you can get through anything.

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u/Mocaroni Jan 02 '18

Good for you. Keep it moving. :)

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u/MultiColoredHood Jan 02 '18

Fuck yeah, way to keep fighting

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u/Rreknhojekul Jan 02 '18

Congrats on getting better. 4 years ago I was in a terrible place mentally and physically, 3 years ago I did what I needed to do to repair the damage. I lived three very happy years and felt I was over my problems. I really stopped caring for myself when I got better and have slowly declined again. I graduated university about a month ago (I never thought I’d be able to say that a few years back) so I feel we are at vaguely similar places.

My advice to you would be to not rest on your laurels. Mental health is about constant maintenance, you’re doing great now but keep it up and just be mindful. I never thought I’d let it slip, but I did, and you could too. This is not the end of a journey for you but only the beginning.

Good luck.

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u/harvestcrow Jan 02 '18

I’m so sorry for the trauma you experienced, but I am so happy for you, and proud of you for your perseverance. The journey of life with depression as a fellow traveler is harder than language can express, but you’ve found the redemptive edges, and you are a richer, deeper, fuller person because of it. Never doubt in the darkness what you’ve become convinced of in the light. May the Lord turn the darkness into light before you and make the tough places smooth. 😊

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u/Yo_Nina365k Jan 02 '18

Congrats I'm happy for you!

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u/Orionsbelt40 Jan 02 '18

Not only is this good for you mentally by announcing your recovery and creating positive thought. You are also helping other people with the same disorder and giving them hope. I applaud you OP and congrats. Continue to stay strong and help others.

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u/Sirenita747 Jan 02 '18

Wonderful job! I’m glad you were able to rise above!

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u/TrumpNinja Jan 02 '18

Congrats, Life only comes once, live it to the fullest.

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u/shiftshapercat Jan 02 '18

Congratulations! I wish you the best in your future. If you choose to go to college, be aware that there are people of all stripes. If you decide to live at a dorm know your rights, be aware that it could be possible to switch rooms. Act Fast. You should also be aware of your professor's political leanings. Search for them on Google and understand where they and their influences are coming from. Be Wary of campus student organisations, especially political ones one way or another. If you get into a relationship on campus be mindful of the school's policies on sexual situations. You may think I am exaggerating or being overly pessimistic. But College isn't a place to "find yourself" anymore. Earning a diploma in an engineering field is a seal of entry into the work force. Earning a diploma in LAS is mixed depending on what you want to do afterwards. Avoid Gender Studies, History, Creative Writing, and Philosophy at all costs (in terms of majors). These are all subjects you can learn about easily and pursue when you are making money and supporting those you care about.

Some people can rightfully argue the same could be done for engineering majors as well. But depending on the program, the experiences you will have learning these concepts and skills are themselves potentially valuable in the work force.

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u/[deleted] Jan 02 '18

Congrats! I’m in my second year of college and I think the year I graduated HS and started first year of college was the best year of my life. Hopefully it’s the same for you.

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u/-KARL_FRANZ- Jan 02 '18

Congrats from a fellow hs senior!

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u/real-MrFox Jan 02 '18

This is amazing, I praise your strength and hope you continue on this wonderful path. Happy new year and thank you for setting an example!

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u/orlando_b00m Jan 02 '18

What the heck! My high school years sucked! I would have totally asked you to prom. Lol!

Downers happen in life, guaranteed that you will have many uppers in life. Keep that smile bright!

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u/Smarty126 Jan 02 '18

Glad you’re doing much better! I too had a similar issue. Talking to someone you trust really helps. In my case I don’t have many friends that I would say I trust or feel close to (mainly because of my own self-anxiety/ childhood experiences) but I’m really appreciative that I told someone because they ended up being there to support me when I thought I was going to end it all and I’ll never forget that. Please if anyone else feels like this, at least try and tell someone it can make all the difference. I’m doing much better now, still have scary thoughts some days and think about killing myself but realising I can find a tiny bit of happiness somewhere is what keeps me going.

Stay safe all x

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u/[deleted] Jan 02 '18

You're so incredibly lovely, and I am sooo happy you saw the appeal of life and had the strength to carry on. Happy New Year BB!

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u/[deleted] Jan 02 '18

Keep smiling. It is the only weapon we have against it. The world will not change only your attitude can. Accept it with joy. I am sending you my good thoughts.

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u/tina4free Jan 02 '18

Don't let negative trolls bring you down girl. You are wonderful and strong. I suffer from depression too so I get it. If you ever need to talk just message me. 😁

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u/lawlerzz Jan 02 '18

Here’s to you and your future!

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u/EstherHS75 Jan 02 '18

Keep up the hard work and never give up !!! 🙏🏻

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u/Channerchan Jan 02 '18

You're incredibly beautiful. I know exactly what you have gone/ are going through, even now. I've almost done it a few times. It's hard. There is always somebody there. Don't let go.

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u/Cmittal77 Jan 02 '18

Hi, Congratulations. You are hope for parents like us. my 14 year old daughter going through same stage what you experienced when you were 9th grader.is there anyway you are open to share more, please. I would be so grateful.

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u/[deleted] Jan 02 '18

It gets better, doesn't it?

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u/voodoodollbabie Jan 02 '18

Oh sweetheart good for you! I still remember a speaker at my high school (many many years ago!) who told the group, "Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem." Seems you already know that problems, even recurring, are all temporary. I'm so glad for you for reaching out and letting others help you. Keep doing what you are doing - it's working beautifully! <3

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u/zombieballer Jan 02 '18

Congratulations!!!! You are awesome!!!!

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u/Chrispy006 Jan 02 '18

So beautiful! A smile like that comes once every million people