you've heard this countless times over your life, but it does get better. it may not get better today or tomorrow or even this year, but I can promise you it does get better. surround yourself with positive friends and family, and make sure you have someone you can talk to if you need it, but don't take advantage. your friends need a listening ear too sometimes. go to therapy, don't be ashamed.
if a health professional recommends medication, have a trial period. but please be aware that meds are not the only answer to your mental health issues, so don't worry if none are right for you. don't keep secrets from your therapist, they want to help and can't do it without your full cooperation. admit when you need help.
try to find a positive coping mechanism, and try different ones. breathing exercises, reading, colouring, anything that helps you keep calm and takes away your depressing thoughts is a coping mechanism, so find the one right for you. don't be ashamed, and don't think that your depression defines you as a person. the recovery process is a roller coaster, you will have many many ups and downs, even for years afterwards, but don't let one bump in the road deter you from happiness. it's okay to be sad but don't let yourself wallow in that negative energy. you should be your number one priority, but that doesn't mean you can let your responsibilities go. go to school, go to work, eat, take a shower, take a walk outside (you'd be surprised of the power that fresh air can have). push yourself to do everyday normal activities and you'll be amazed of the burst of energy and happiness you can receive. you are the only one who can make the first step towards recovery, but that doesn't mean that you have to make every step alone.
