as far as encouragement, I cant really offer any but to keep trying... but as far as personal experience goes, I dont mind sharing. im also 24 (25 in may) and, though I havent officially been diagnosed with anything, I honestly feel that the reason I started using various drugs was in the hopes of finding an easy outlet to coping with my personal issues. I started smoking because of its relaxing qualities. this was when I was 16. shortly thereafter I began using other drugs to feel happy. that isnt to say that I dont find hapiness outside of drugs, just that its sparse and usually short lived. for most of my life I believe ive been depressed or apathetic. what first made me open my eyes to this was in high school, when asked to write an essay about the "happiest memory you have" and found I had none. im sorry for rambling, by the way, and hope somehow this helps, atleast in knowing that people are struggling with you. again, sorry for the lack of real encouragement, but I do believe that you will find a way to the change youre reaching for.