⚠️ Disclaimer & Trigger Warnings: Self-harm, Abuse ⚠️ My earliest childhood memory is my preschool graduation and standing outside of my parents room, as my dad beats the hell out of my mother. Most of my childhood is blurry, I’m 24 years old and I have repressed memory. I honestly can’t remember seeing my father beat my mom or sibling but I do remember flashes right before and after he did. Me... he never beat me. So according to my family, I have no reason to complain, no reason to be sad, no reason to be upset. So, I lived most of my life believing that since I wasn’t abused the same way as the rest of my family, I was weak because I had panic attacks and depression. Once, I went for help (non licensed therapist) and I spoke to her about my rejection issues (cause boy did I have it), she said “others have it worse than you,”. I’m here to tell you, it doesn’t matter. [...] Your family may never understand you (mine still don’t), the people who hurt you may never apologize (mine still haven't) but... you could still be happy. So hear me clearly when I say that the depression, the feeling of rejection and hopelessness didn’t end overnight. Nope, but something did switch when I leaned on Jesus. I accepted his love, protection, friendship and counsel. Abba’s love truthfully was the only thing that stopped Getting a therapist, talking to friends, sharing my story, learning my triggers, taking time off, getting into a healthy community and giving myself the RIGHT not to be okay, kept me. - Alie, 24 If you are struggling with depression and you want to feel hopeful and empowered just click on the website in my bio to read Alie's whole story along with many more stories of our roaring souls ✨ #theroaringsouls #mentalhealthadvocate #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthmatters #mentalhealthcommunity #mentalhealthisimportant #mentalhealthstories #everydayismentalhealthday #mentalhealthsupport #help #support #womenwhocreate #womenillustrators #ladieswhodesign #justgirlproject #procreateillustration #spreadawarness #stigmas #hope #illustrationoftheday #mentalhealth #illustrationoftheday #aftereffects #womenofillustration #mentalhealth #depression #marinaparrasbrush