I've dealt with chronic depression since I was 16, I've had multiple failed suicide attempts and during those times I had no hope. I thought I was going to love this way forever.

One thing nobody ever talks about is how addictive depression is, all it takes is one hit and then you're in another downwards spiral for months at a time, while trying to put on a face that everything is fine. It's like harboring a festering wound.

One thing that's helped me manage it to the point where it almost non existent, is to know the triggers, for me it was social media, talking to my horrible family and even my friend group.

Once I knew the triggers I was able to avoid them more, I stayed off of social media and was doing more creative projects (like writing) instead. Because I was spending less time with my friends (I had dropped out of college at this point and was unemployed) I got a construction job that 1) paid alot of money and 2) made my body fell better because I was getting exercise all day and was doing something gratifying.

Life is alot better now, I don't talk to my old friends, I try and stay off the negative side of social media and I know what triggers it, I know when I'm close to an episode and I know what steps to take to manage it.

It's different for everyone, each person is unique and are going through different things. My advice is to know your triggers and change your surroundings.