Unfortunately, like many others around the world, I found myself battling against my own worst enemy—depression. Diagnosed at 14 and still hanging around almost six years later, I've had to manage my day to day activities differently.

There are days that:

I struggle to get out of bed.

I refuse to eat.

I cry uncontrollably.

I distant myself from everyone and everything.

It's hard to live day to day with even these few little things that happen on top of everything else.

Everyone battles their demons in their own ways and over the last six years, I have found ways to ease some of my lifestyle. Some days I have to force it upon myself to even do these things, but I always feel a little more at peace with myself after. Maybe it can help you, too.

1. I write, a lot.

Writing allows me to clear all my thoughts and express myself in ways that I never thought possible. There's just something about my pen hitting the paper that eases me.

2. Go to the gym.

Besides the fact of sweating a lot and dying through every workout, the gym is absolutely amazing. Exercise in general releases endorphins triggering positive feelings through your body. It's almost like your own kind of "happy pill."

3. Go to a bookstore and pick out a book or two.

Everyone has favorite places, some people's just happen to be bookstores. I love the vibe as I walk into a bookstore. This is actually a more recent habit of mine.

4. Read the book.

I used to be a complete bookworm when I was younger. You'd be amazed at how soothing it is to live the life of a storybook character for a while to distract you from your own life. It also helps create scenarios for your own similar problems.

5. Go on an adventure.

Adventures are good for the soul. It can honestly give you an adrenaline rush and ease your mind— all the same time.

6. Pet a dog.

Dogs are ahh-mazing. They are not only super cute and cuddly, but dogs know when something is wrong and they give a comfort like no other. I always suggest petting a dog even when you're happy because dogs can make you even happier.

7. Make a "happy" playlist and drive towards the unknown.

Music heals the mind. Get away from the sappy music that makes you feel deeper in that hole. (Totally guilty of this on a daily basis.) Make yourself a playlist to dance and sing at the top of your lungs. Drive around town and explore the beauty you never noticed.

The little things that keep my mind elsewhere are what get me through the hard days. It also gives me a sense of being in control of my life, which for anyone that has depression knows, you feel like you never have full control of your life.

Also for anyone facing depression, I know this probably sounds cliché, but you are not alone and you are definitely worth more than your demons in the darkness.

Let rock bottom become the solid foundation that you rebuilt your life upon.