Dear Counselor: My Story.

Dear Counselor: Two Years Later

Dear Counselor,

It's been a very long time since I've added to this "story," & it's been some time since I've last seen you, as you've found a better career somewhere out there.

I'm 18 years old now, going on 19. I still drown my thoughts out with music and use terrible tactics to cope, but as long as I'm coping, right?

I quit smoking cigarettes, though. Are you proud of me yet? I probably wouldn't have been able to if it wasn't for this antidepressant that I'm on - but regardless, I quit.

I still drink sometimes. I still go out & have "fun." Unfortunately, some of the ways I choose to cope have become toxic; but there is no turning back now. These are my coping mechanisms now, and probably will be until I come across something new and healthier.

I left state - moved to Florida. Hit rock bottom officially and things got sour between my Mom and I, stayed with my Dad for about three nights before last minute buying a one-way ticket to Florida where I am now residing with some friends until my friend and I get into our apartment, which will be September 18th. It is September 5th, 2018. So - I will be even more of an adult in just about two short weeks. Isn't that insane? How I went from a person who depended on others for happiness but somehow found my own coping mechanisms via independence? Being forced to do things on my own, with no help, no support. It's impossible to believe how far I've made it. But regardless of all of my recent successes, there is still that nagging depression trying to spam-call my brain and insert itself somewhere that it doesn't belong in.

The life I have lived has been a terrible one- but I will always find a way. I always do. Whether it's with or without the people I have in my life currently, I will always. Find. A. Way.