I love you.

Let's start with that.

I wish I could be there every time those thoughts tell you that you aren't enough, or that we don't love you, or that you aren't worth it. Truthfully, you have an army that would jump in your brain and fight the darkness at a moment's notice if we could.

There's nothing you could do that would stop me from caring. I was your friend when we were dorky freshman, stupid juniors, and clueless "adults." Whether you're on top of the world or under the ocean, I hope that you know I'm only a phone call away, and I will be there as soon as possible by way of planes, trains, or submarines.

Life does this thing where it throws curveballs at you that you never saw coming. Friendships change in little and big ways, and I want you to know that any space that grew wasn't because of a lack of caring. Sometimes I feel guilty that I don't have more answers. While you don't expect me to heal you, I wish with everything that I could.

For all the reasons that you have chosen to stay this long, thank you.

Please keep choosing to stay.

You have brought a light into my life that I cannot imagine living without. Thank you for making memories with me that will make the whole party laugh and that I will treasure in quiet moments.

I can only imagine how scary it is to have your brain working to convince you of things that you know aren't true. I cannot express the relief when you told me you were getting help. Your strength gives me hope for the future, and I'm excited for you to start to feel like yourself again.

Through the highs and lows, thank you for always being my friend. No friendship is perfect, but ours is pretty darn special. I will always fight for us, and I will always fight for you.

It feels cliche to say that things will get better, but they really will.

Let's end with this:

You are loved.