Never Give Up

     Everyone has a battle they are fighting and each is hard for that person in their own way.  Sometimes life gets to crazy and overwhelming and we feel like we just can't take it anymore.  We don't feel good about ourselves, how we look, how we act, and we just want to be different.  We want to do good and figure out who we are and make our mark in the world but we just feel like the world is pushing us down.  We smile through the pain and laugh off the hurt and tell everyone we are ok but we cry ourselves to sleep at night.  We cut because sometimes it feels like the only way to take away the emotional pain or we feel like we deserve it.  We starve ourselves because nothing else seems to work.  We over analyze and over think every little thing we do because we care too much about what the people around us think.  It feels as if we are always being judged and we never measure up.  We live in fear of going outside of our comfort zone while on the inside we crave it.  We want to be different and to be genuinely happy.  We want to be confident and to find what we love and be crazy and fun.  We stay away from social events because it is where we feel in the spotlight and we don't know what to say, how to act, or who has our backs.

     There are many of us out there who are consumed by feelings of depression or anxiety similar to those above and I know it's hard.  I know it hurts.  You feel swallowed up and spit out by the world, friends, family, and even yourself.  But I am here to tell you that you are never alone!  Someone out there cares for you and wants you to get through this.  Friends, family, your Savior Jesus Christ, and your Father in Heaven will never abandon you (I realize that sometimes friends or family actually contribute to the problems).  There are so many people around us who feel the same way and I know it's easy to stay quiet and pretend like everything is fine or hide the battles and the scars.  Sometimes you feel like it is easier to give up.  Maybe lower your standards or just not try or even ending your life.  To those of you who feel like you hit rock bottom or are alone or stuck please Never Give Up!!  It won't be easy but I promise you there is so much more out there for you!!  God has so many amazing things in store for you if you keep pressing forward and you can get through this!!  You are beautiful and strong!!  You are an overcomer!!  No matter what, Never Give Up!!!!!