Dear Depression,

I am so tired of you controlling my life. I am taking my life back. There are very few things that I truly want in my life, and happiness is among them. You cannot keep captive my happiness. It is mine.

Sometimes I think that you've left my life forever, and just when I think I'm doing wonderful without you, you prance right back. I know now that you'll always be a part of who I am...but that does not mean I grant you the power to have complete control of my life.

Sometimes, I let you control my life and I know it gets hard sometimes for people to get through to me when you're overwhelming my thoughts. You want me to do absolutely nothing but pay attention to you despite how I have so much disdain for you. Regardless, I know that you are at your strongest only if I grant you the power to consume my thoughts.

But also, thank you for making me a stronger human being. Although sometimes I'm not the greatest nor most positive person to talk to, I am without a doubt extremely empathetic. Sometimes I hate how empathetic I am, but it is a wonderful gift that I have been given and am trying to learn to use to my greatest ability.

I also wanted to say that you've helped me learn who is willing to be there for me at my lowest of lows. I am such a pain in the behind when you're the primary focus of my life. My friends, however, are beautiful souls that have the patience to deal with me.

You will not take me back, no sirree. This life is mine. My life with all of its mistakes. This is my life. I will stop and smell the roses. I will adore all of the beauty around me. I will continuously remind myself, regardless of how much you bombard my thoughts, that my life is worth living.

I have so much that I have yet to experience, and I won't let you take that away from me. I want to travel, I want to save animals, I want to experience different cultures. I want to pet all of the puppers and doggos. I want to hug all of the cats that will let me. I want to take as many beautiful pictures of people doing what they love as I can. I want to eventually live a beautiful life with a family of my own.

I cannot do that with you ruling my life, so no thank you Depression. You will not take me. I have so much life to live. I have so many passions that I want to pursue. I will not be chained to you and not do every little thing on my lists. I will achieve happiness, and I will not be doing that with you. Not today.

So thank you for helping me grow, Depression, but you will not take this young woman and call her yours.