Since I was about 13-years-old I have struggled with depression (and still sometimes PTSD) Being somewhat suicidal for a good third of my life, my middle school and high school experience consisted of going to school and wondering if a fall from the roof would be sufficient enough to kill me (luckily, I didn't try it). However, I was very good at hiding at it, and to this day people are very surprised when I tell them what I went through.
Fairly recently though, I not only came out with my mental illness, but also got therapy and professional help. Thanks to that and heaps of support from my friends and family, I can safely say that I've beaten my mental illness to where I am a functional, happy and self-confident person again.
In that time I got back into the things I used to enjoy doing; writing poetry and making art. Each day that I got better, a more realized concept for this project took place. I decided to publish a book with all the poetry and associated illustrations that would tell my story. Just last week it was officially published and I have never been happier or stronger than I am now.
For those of you also struggling with mental illness, it can get better. I know it doesn't feel like it, especially when your environment, people around you and even your own mind cause you so much pain. But I promise (as cliché as it sounds) that it does get better if you can reach out.
Here is some of the illustrations and excerpts:
the cover
