How I did it: I've been on meds for depression and anxiety for three years, and they dulled the symptoms, but it was still there. A year ago I finally found a therapist I really connected with, and she helped so much teaching me to put things in perspective and get to the root of my problems.

And then the thing that changed everything. It all started with the decision to join the local college's anime club. At first I was terrified, I went there and no one ever spoke to me, I had to force myself to keep going. But I did keep going, and eventually things began to change. I made friends with a few of the people, and they brought me out of my shell. I was still shy and quiet, but I began to feel more at ease around everyone. My walls began to crumble, and I let people into my life. I may be the quiet one, but I became a part of the group.

And then the group started hanging out outside of school, and I came along too. And eventually I made friends with everyone. Not always close friends, but I had my few good friends and staying by them helped me to be more comfortable and outspoken. I'm the quiet one, but I'm a part of the group. And though even now I still feel anxiety, but I can handle it. There's no more of the constant fear I felt when around people that I had lived with for so long.

And then the depression. Having friends changed everything. Not being alone anymore, having their support. Especially of one amazing person I met and fell in love with. Having him there to anchor me, knowing I'll always have him supporting me, made the biggest difference of all.

I might still have anxious and depressive feelings sometimes, but they're no big deal. I'm happy, I can feel calm while around people. I have people I want to be around, and who want to have me around. It's been a year now, the best year of my entire life. I can honestly say that I am happier now than I have ever been.

I am finally free. And it is just amazing.

Lessons & tips: Never, ever give up. I was deeply, deeply depressed. There were so many times I wanted to end it all, but I still had that tiny little grain of hope that kept me from doing it. Even if I felt like a zombie, not living at all, just there and trudging through life with no point or purpose. And if you're doing that, keep doing it. But look for opportunities. Eventually you will find one. And you have to take it. It'll be difficult. You may want to to quit, but just stick with it. Eventually it'll pay off. You'll meet the right people, you'll find friends, find support, find a purpose. I spent so, so many years when I was emotionally dead, but I held on and kept going, and it finally happened for me. And I am so, so happy now. If it can happen for me, it can happen for you. And it will.

Resources:

• http://www.anxietytribe.com
• http://www.depressiontribe.com/
• medication for bipolar/depression and anxiety
• finding the right therapist
• finding amazing, supportive friends

Jan 11, 2009, 09:00AM PST | 1 comment | 4 cheers