According to Merriam-Webster's Online Dictionary, the word survivor means, "to continue to prosper or function." With that definition in mind, if you look around you, everyone near you is a survivor.
Me, personally, I'm a survivor of many things.
I'm a survivor of poverty. I'm a survivor of being verbally beaten down by my peers. I'm a survivor of losing the closest person in my life. I'm even a survivor of a situation where a man decided that the word "no" wasn't an option.
I think surviving is one of the most difficult things to do sometimes. Life isn't easy, and sometimes it's not afraid to throw a big punch your way to knock you off your feet. That's why it's OK to respond with, "barely surviving" if someone asks you how you're doing. It's an honest reply if you're feeling like you're having trouble even continuing on.
The great thing is, you will get through whatever problem you're having. You'll grow from the difficult experience and have knowledge on how to tackle situations similar to that one if they happen again.
Another great thing is that you get to add on another reason why you're a survivor. This can only strengthen your character and build you up. I like to think of it as dirt being thrown on you.
While getting through a tough time, you shake the dirt off and add it to the pile below you. You're slowly, but surely, gaining ground to a happy time.
So if you're going through a time you're not sure you can get through, I promise that you can no matter how bleak it may seem. Build your ground and character and come out stronger than before.
And always remember that you ARE tough... especially because you're a survivor.