As much as I would like to think that I am undaunted by the past, I know that it has had an undoubted impact on me.

Our experiences help shape us into who we are, no matter whether they might be good or bad. Insight and knowledge can always be extracted from our past. The first step is facing the demons in our past and allowing them to teach us a lesson or lessons.

Recently, I have been more willing to reflect on my past experiences. This task has not been an easy one, but it has been an eye-opening and welcomed hurtle that I embrace for my future.

I have realized that even my hardest experiences have played a role in making me who I am. I never used to ask for help. I did not want to appear weak or burden others with my issues.

When I was diagnosed with anxiety and depression, it was a wake up call for me. I soon realized that asking for help was not a sign of weakness, but proof of my own strength.

Firstly, to ask for support means that you are willing to admit that you cannot do something on your own. By asking for helping, you are trusting that person to know your most vulnerable parts.

It requires great strength to admit that you need help, and to allow someone to be there for you when you feel vulnerable. Secondly, it proves that you are fighting for yourself.

I have learned that no one can save you but yourself.

You can have millions of people supporting you, but if you don’t believe in yourself or want to fight, then it is a lost cause. Strength must come from within. Your friends, family, significant other, and acquaintances can only help support you on your journey. They cannot walk it for you.

I have never been someone to see myself as strong or have self confidence. The hardest lesson I have learned, is to believe in myself. No matter what situation or demons you are facing, you have to accept who you were then and who you are now.

I have always viewed my anxiety and depression as a burden for others and a malady. This thought process will only hurt you and those around you. If someone offers their support, then they want to be there for you.

The only person who sees you as a burden, is yourself. If they did not want to help, then they would not. I have had more people tell me that my life is “too much to deal with” than I can count.

Through my journey of facing my demons, I’ve realized that I hate letting people in because they have the power to leave. It seems easier to be the first to leave, than allow someone to walk out on you. Though it might seem easier, you can miss out on a lot of memories and life lessons.

While reflecting, I discovered that there are people who will stick around. People will walk out on you and relationships do change. However, what you take from those memories and experiences is up to you.

You can either “Embrace the suck, and move the f*** forward,” (Whiskey Tango Foxtrot) or you can let your past cage you in. I myself, will not allow my past to be my cage. I am determined to learn from my past mistakes and achievements, to better my future.

This summer, someone told me that I was the strongest person they knew. I am open about my experiences and diagnosis for the main reason to allow others to know that they can overcome their demons too.

I have also realized that my anxiety and depression do not make me weak and are not a malady. My anxiety and depression are a part of me. I fight everyday to be positive--to not allow my dark days and shaky ones to rid me of my internal fight.

If anything, I am stronger because of my anxiety and depression. I have accepted that I have demons and decided that I will not let them rule my life. How many other people can say that? I know that no matter what someone is going through, I will have their back. I know that no matter what happens, I have the strength and ability to ask for help.

I have faced my demons and never plan to stop learning from my past. I will make my future into what I want it to be. I refuse to be caged in by the rough patches, scary memories, and bad days. Instead, I am forever flying free.