[Rachelakabatman]

I have had severe depression for over a year now and it completely ruined my life. I lost jobs to it. I lost friends to it. I lost my own self respect to it. I let this destroy me and I really f-ed up this past year. I want to get better and I am on meds and am starting counseling tomorrow. I feel like this year is a black hole and I cant escape it. I am so focused on my downfalls and I am trapped. This honestly sucks.

And.... one question. Do you think mental illness in the long run makes you a better person? Will I come out of this better or stronger? Or will a little part of me always be jagged and broken?

[JWRT]

I think my mental illness in the long run has made me a better person. A stronger person. It forces us to really work on ourselves. To take some very soul searching looks at ourselves. You will come out better and stronger. That does not mean depression will go away and never some back. At least that is not the case with me.

The biggest way it has made me better is that it has forced me to learn how to forgive and accept myself exactly as I am. This brings a huge amount of contentment and inner peace even when I am depressed believe it or not.

Having depression isn't something we choose or let happen in my opinion. We didn't F up because we got depressed.

Sounds like you are coming to terms with it and are getting help. That is a very big deal. There are no magic pills or easy answers but I can honestly tell you that after many years of dealing with this and learning tools to deal with life in a healthier way, those tools have brought me a lot of peace. I value that over any happiness or joy any day.

[cryingontheinside]

You have your councelling tomorrow . that is something positive .
Through having mental health I lost everything , jobs , custody of my children , friends , relationships , my looks , everything . having mental health is horrible , the worse , but yeah I would definitely say I am a stronger person through all I have been through

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[Ocean Swimmer]

Yes. I have had more education than my non mental illness peers.

More success in business.

Over my life so far lots of Love.

I've learned a lot from my mistakes.

[Fuzzybear]

I think many are "better" having survived...

I too have learnt a lot, loved a lot...