my story

My name is Tiffany Garner. When I was seventeen, I was diagnosed with clinical depression and social anxiety. The truth is, I had depression long before that. I hadn't been diagnosed for two reasons: one, I was too busy to think about it, and two, I didn't want to admit I had a problem. I didn't want to be dependent on pills for the rest of my life--I didn't want medication changing who I was. And I didn't want to be one of those crackpots who goes to a therapist.

With my parents support, I finally sought help. I've learned a lot since then. I've learned that I'd dug a hole and trapped myself in all the lies I was thinking. I've learned that the purpose of medication is not to change who you are, but to help you be yourself. I've learned that I don't have to be depressed, that being happy is a result of your decisions and not what happens around you.

Depression does not control me.

It's still a daily struggle, but I am slowly becoming the person I always knew I was inside. Sometimes I fall, but I've learned to pick myself back up. I look back on the past few years of my life and I can't believe how much has happened.

I started this blog because I want to share these experiences. I want to help those like me that are struggling. Because the most important thing that's helped me is having a support system.

I look forward to getting to know you, and remember: life is beautiful.

♥tg