Have you emerged from the shadows of depression, schizophrenia, and other illnesses, regaining happiness?
If you are still struggling with them, please do not give up easily. Believe that “as long as you keep going, there is no place you can’t reach.” One day, we will defeat mental illness.
If you feel like you can’t hold on any longer, then listen to the stories of these four patients fighting diseases.
Although they each had their own pain, they were fortunate to find their own “cure” and eventually come out of it.
With a goal, “living” is a kind of enjoyment.
Last July, Tie Wen, who was still a high school student, was diagnosed with depression. Due to the lack of understanding from parents and teachers, and the pressure from various aspects of study, she began to experience physical symptoms: trembling hands, nausea, chest pain, suicidal thoughts…
During that time, she would always go to the rooftop after school, feeling that her life had lost its meaning and all that was left was confusion.
By chance, Tie Wen met Xiao A, who was also a depression patient. They were of similar age, facing the same world. Strong-willed Xiao A gave Tie Wen great encouragement and they agreed to attend an idol’s concert together after getting better, to see the idol shining on stage. This renewed Tie Wen’s hope for the future and she began to adjust herself.
Tie Wen reflected: with a life goal, “living” becomes a pleasure. Witnessing oneself getting better every day is a happy thing. I hope young people like me can think about what they truly like, then move towards that goal.
After learning to love herself, life seemed to start anew.
When Lu An was a child, she would get hit for saying the wrong thing, hit for declining grades, hit for not doing things well, scolded for falling down the stairs, scolded for pouting. Perhaps because of this, she would compromise herself to please anyone.
After being diagnosed with bipolar disorder, Lu An finally expressed her grievances. Since then, her parents have tried to make up for years of hurt with all their love, but Lu An found them quite ridiculous.
It wasn’t until later that she cut off all unnecessary and complicated relationships, no longer seeking approval from anyone. Slowly, Lu An’s life began to change: the sunlight no longer blinded her, the night no longer hid terrifying monsters, the crowd was no longer a gathering place of lies, and her parents’ smiles were no longer a gentle threat.
Lu An said: I knew that I defeated the demons for the first time and welcomed a new life.
My unhappiness was healed by this little thing.
During the final stage of preparing for the postgraduate entrance exam, Bai Bai had to take a leave from school due to worsening depression symptoms. This was a thunderbolt to the ordinary Bai Bai, who couldn’t accept the growing distance from her classmates and felt anxious and exhausted every day.
Later, on the advice of relatives, she adopted Song Song. Bai Bai said, Song Song, a mix of Garfield and tabby, was four months old and neglected due to lacking pure lineage. With a sense of sympathy due to having a similar fate, Bai Bai brought her home, and Song Song’s timid personality and graceful movements greatly healed her. With Song Song’s companionship, Bai Bai began to smile again.
Later, she welcomed another new member – Little Golden Tuantuan. During the day, she strolled with Tuantuan to relax, and at night, she played and teased with Song Song. Sleeping with one on each side, she found life very comfortable.
Writing saved me.
Since the onset of the disease in the final year of high school, Kalining has been battling schizophrenia for 5 years. During these 5 years, he experienced a leave of absence, a relapse, two hospitalizations, and three changes of medication.
Kalining recalls that initially, the antipsychotic medication he took was not very effective. Hallucinations that were criticized and cursed by others continued, and after taking the medication, he felt drowsy all day. At that time, he didn’t want to do anything, just wanted to read aloud, and sometimes he would sit in the room doing math competition questions.
Later, he became deeply engrossed in writing, translating Emerson, and solving math problems, achieving some success: writing an 800-word essay in 20 minutes and scoring high, his translation of “Essays of Emerson” was greatly appreciated by his freshman teacher, participating in various debates and math competitions, making many comrades-in-arms. He began to like his life more and more.
Kalining said: I am lucky. What I lost may have been compensated for by what I gained. Now, I am still fighting against the affliction of illness and the torment of medication, but thankfully, the hardest days are over.
After reading their stories, I am more convinced that “without experiencing storms, how can we see rainbows.” So, even if you feel the world is terrible now, don’t give up easily. Believe that after going through such trials and transformations, you will become stronger and life will be more exciting.
Finally, I wish everyone a speedy recovery and becoming a better version of themselves~
