The Anxiety and Depression It's Easy to Hide in a Selfie

I took this picture about five hours before I attempted suicide.

You might find that hard to believe because well, look at me. I look happy. I look fine. But I was far from that. Struggling with depression and anxiety is extremely difficult. It’s even more difficult when you’re struggling in silence. I never talked to anyone about it. I didn’t want to be judged or feel like a burden. Most days it was hard getting out of bed, taking a shower or even brushing my hair. I felt exhausted all the time. I felt overwhelmed. I felt like I was drowning. After all, you don’t need water to feel like you’re drowning. I went to the extreme by doing something I regret doing, but I got the help I desperately needed. I’m no longer scared to reach out to people or talk about my depression and anxiety. I don’t have to struggle in silence anymore. Mental illnesses are nothing to be ashamed of.

I’m baffled that some people think of suicide as a “selfish act.”Dealing with thoughts of suicide is brutal. We are not selfish for being tired of the madness in our mind.

To anybody struggling: I promise you it does get better. It may take months, but recovery is so worth it! Bad days are going to happen no matter what but you have to push through them. The bad days will make you appreciate the good days so much more. Stay strong — there’s sunshine after rain.

If you or someone you know needs help, visit our suicide prevention resources page.

If you need support right now, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, the Trevor Project at 1-866-488-7386 or text “START” to 741-741.

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