You don't know me, but...

I want you to know that I see you. Not the fake version of you that you show the world, but the scared kid who hides the pain with a smile. I see you.

I know you. I know that you struggle every day. And I know that you want nothing more than someone to notice. This is me saying that I notice. I know you.

I feel your pain. I know that you need something to take away the internal battle brewing inside of you. I know what it feels like to have tiny prisoners wandering around underneath your skin. I don't blame you for letting them out. I feel your pain.

I don't judge you. We all have ways to take our pain away. Your way does not make you any weaker than another. You are not crazy because you feel things so very deeply. You are not crazy because you have this illness. I don't judge you.

You are brave. The courage you display every day you wake up is incredible. Although the war is raging and every possible enemy is standing on guard, you make an honorable choice. You choose to fight. You are brave.

You are loved. Regardless of whoever or whatever tells you differently. And believe me, I know how overwhelming those evil voices can be. I'm asking you to ignore them. Fight them. Because someone loves you. Even if that someone is just me. You are worth more than the stars in the sky. And someone's world would go black if you ever left. You are loved.

You will get through it. You will always have hard days. I'm sorry, but I refuse to lie to you. Everyone has bad days, but because of the illness you have been dealt, yours will seem a bit more unbearable. There will be times you will relapse because everything comes crashing down all at once. Those are the times you have to turn to your friends or family. Reach out to them, because they will remind you of your worth. You will get through it.

You will be okay. I know sometimes it doesn't seem like it. Hell, I need a reminder every now and then too. That's what those we love are there to assure us of. That's what I'm here to assure you of. Regardless of the darkness you face, you will make it through. Just grab onto someone's hand and let them pull you back to the light. You will be okay.

There's not much I know in this world, but of these things I am certain. How can I be so sure?

Because I have scars too.