Anxiety for me came out of nowhere and hit me like a ton of bricks. I hope that by sharing my story, I can show that there is hope and that it is possible to achieve amazing things, even when living with depression.

I have never experienced depression in my life before. It all started when I lost my mother. My world, my hero. The grief sneaked up on me quietly and took me under its arm in an instant. Every moment with her played like a song in my head, repeating itself over and over again. Depression came in waves and forced me to be under its spell. It was my master for now. I was at its mercy. Sometimes it hit me so ferociously that I fear that I am going to lose it.

The emptiness in my heart, the numbness in my soul, the salty tears on my cheeks made me feel weaker. The ominous feeling swallows me whole before I could explain anything. People around me were leisurely contemplating, waiting for me to talk, waiting for me to spill my secrets.

" Tell us what happened Sam."My father persuaded

"It was late at night" I whispered. Clearing my throat I continued.

"My mom was driving the car and I was arguing with her. She didn't want me to go to a party. The last thing I told her was that I hate her and then a car hit us from behind. The next thing I know is that my mom is dead." My own words sometimes hit me so ferociously, they lased against my skin, cutting each ounce and leaving their welts behind which can still feel.

It was late at night. The thunder announced as if some rockstar upon a stage. The moon was shining brightly accompanied by some stars which were covered with dark, ominous black clouds which gave signs of an impending storm. I woke up from a nightmare and stared at a person sitting on my bed.

"Mom is that you" I whispered.

"Yes, dear."

"I am soo sorry," I said but suddenly a black rotted hand grabbed me. I looked at my mom with horror and let out a scream as I looked who it was. It was a woman with a taut face. Her hairs were gone and her eyes were popped out. She had long sharp canines which were even visible when her mouth was closed. She smiled at me and disappeared.

I woke up with a jolt. It's a dream, a dream which was haunting me for a year. Just breathe..

I just know one thing. The depression was not leaving me alone easily. I decided to fight back.

The next day my father took me to the therapist. I did my best to fight depression. I can't let depression control my life. I have to live. I need to live. For myself, my dad. Therapy and positivity have helped me a lot to fight Anxiety. I stopped having nightmares, I started to live a normal life, simply ignoring all the intricate circumstances I faced before. And now here I am, perfectly fine, no depression controlling my body.

 Just remember one thing. Fight! Be brave! Be brave together!

Chandrika, 16