Hey there Reizo,

Welcome to the community and thanks for sharing. I want to say I appreciate your openness and the way you organized your thoughts. I feel that is a good expression of your intelligence and sincerity. I think you show a lot of healthy self-introspection. It's certainly a good thing when you can look at your own situation and not become too critical about your life events, but strive for a real understanding. I sensed that in your post.

Regarding your situation, I am sorry to hear that you are suffering from stress and depression right now. This is not surprising with the many challenges you have faced throughout your life, especially in light of recent events. I agree with sophiesmom that it's a good idea to take the time you need to grieve over your recent breakup. Along with that, try to keep in mind that the past is the past and cannot be changed. Thus, don't expend too much worry about a path you didn't take or a relationship that didn't work out. What you have is right now and the future. That's what you can affect.

I really like the essence of Dan McAdam's theories about self-narratives. You see, our lives are our stories. We have the ability to influence how those stories turn out. That doesn't mean we will always get everything we wish for. Rather, it refers more to the idea that most people can make their own decisions and choose how to react to challenges. Of course, I'm not saying any of this is easy. Still, I would suggest that you take some time and get to know more about yourself and determine which direction you would like your story to go. Make yourself the best self that you can be and then you'll have something even more wonderful to bring to your next relationship. Be honest with yourself about your strengths and weaknesses. While we all have room for improvement, be sure to give yourself all the credit you are due for the gifts that you have. Regarding our self-narratives, I like the words of J. M. Barrie when he said: "The life of every man is a diary in which he means to write one story, and writes another; and his humblest hour is when he compares the volume as it is with that he vowed to make it." Our stories are made up of both good and difficult experiences so just do the best you can make your story about triumphs and persistence.