this was taken the night i almost took my own life. it takes my breath away to look at this now, to look at the pain, despair, and hopelessness visible on my face. never have i been so scared of myself or felt such deep hatred. this night was my absolute breaking point. the next day i was hauled away to a treatment facility, finally agreed to receive help, and accepted medication. i almost can’t even recognize myself in this photo- the stability and mental state i am in now is remarkable in comparison. i will never allow myself to forget this time in my life or the fight i put up, and i will never allow myself to sacrifice or lose grip of my happiness and well-being again.