As someone who has suffered with anxiety for my entire life and depression for several years, I know how easy it is to fall down what I call the "rabbit hole". This is when you let your mind take over your emotions. You seemingly lose control, and negativity taints every thought. Sometimes it feels impossible to get out of these rabbit holes. Therapy has helped me train my mind not to take the bait that depression dangles in front of your face to pull you down. However, there are times when I can't help it. I lose control, and find myself right back at the bottom of another hole. When we find ourselves in this position, it's too easy to forget some simple facts that may help break you from the toxic feelings that are infecting you. Here are five reminders that will hopefully assist you in pulling yourself back up.

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1. Nobody else sees you the way you see yourself

We tend to see ourselves in a very negative light. We are our own worst enemy, always criticizing and nitpicking things we want to improve. Maybe you see yourself as ugly, or broken. I promise that nobody worthy of being in your life thinks this way of you. It's difficult to believe that someone sees you as beautiful when you've been telling yourself the opposite your whole life. We all have our flaws, and we fixate on them until they overshadow every wonderful thing about us. Perhaps your nose is a little crooked, or you have some extra fat on your stomach. This does not negate the fact that you're a human being with a beautiful mind, capable of dreaming, creating, and being.

2. What you're feeling is completely normal and valid

No, you're not crazy. We assume the worst when anything is 'wrong' with us, but it's simply not true. Many people before you have experienced the same feelings you are experiencing, and many people after you will, too. It's easy to feel isolated during bouts of anxiety, depression, etc. Just know that it is guaranteed that someone is going through the exact same thing.

3. You are worthy of love and happiness

This is something I have to constantly remind myself of. That voice in your head telling you that you deserve this agony is lying. You are a human, and you deserve as much love and happiness as everyone else. You did nothing to deserve this. You are one of a kind, and you belong here.

4. There will be good days again

This is not the end of the road. This is a bad day, and tomorrow has the opportunity to be better. It's difficult to be in the middle of a storm and convince yourself that you can make it to see the rainbow afterwards, but you can and you will. Healing is not linear. We are coping. There will be ups and downs, but you can get through them all.

5. Please stop abusing yourself

Be gentle with yourself. You're doing your best. Don't let your mind bully you. You can take control, it just takes patience and practice. There is always hope to get better, you have to let yourself get there first. I know you can do it.