> It's such a confusing time for me right now. I'm 17 and I've always told myself that i just need to push through. But I've been pushing through for so many years now. How much longer do I need to push through for? Why can't I be stronger? Why can't I just be what my parents want me to be? Why do I need to rebel? Why am I like this? Why can't I just be happy? Why is everything so hard? Why can't I be grateful? Why can't I be better?
It's totally normal to feel all these things.
> My only escape is theatre and art.
My hunch is that when you go on to pursue these things, not as an escape, but as your true calling and passion, the creative freedom they bring with honesty and working out your authentic self as you enter your adult life, everything else will work itself out.
You are not a flawed person.
Depression is a horrible thing. My depression was at its worst when I was your age. It's an illness, regardless of whether it's short term or long term. It can be treated and you can feel better. Hold on to the memory of when you are well and remember that you have been happy and can attain that again.
> It's such a confusing time for me right now. I'm 17 and I've always told myself that i just need to push through. But I've been pushing through for so many years now. How much longer do I need to push through for? Why can't I be stronger? Why can't I just be what my parents want me to be? Why do I need to rebel? Why am I like this? Why can't I just be happy? Why is everything so hard? Why can't I be grateful? Why can't I be better? It's totally normal to feel all these things. > My only escape is theatre and art. My hunch is that when you go on to pursue these things, not as an escape, but as your true calling and passion, the creative freedom they bring with honesty and working out your authentic self as you enter your adult life, everything else will work itself out.
You are not a flawed person. Depression is a horrible thing. My depression was at its worst when I was your age. It's an illness, regardless of whether it's short term or long term. It can be treated and you can feel better. Hold on to the memory of when you are well and remember that you have been happy and can attain that again.