Life can be tough. Nobody can deny that but what makes it tougher, is when your mental state is less than perfect. Struggling with exams, maintaining relationships, and just trying to be happy can take its toll on anyone but when anxiety, depression, and sadness start to sneak in, it gets a million times harder.

I beg of you: don't ignore the warnings.

When that darkness begins to creep in, it can seem like nothing at first. Then, out of nowhere, you are in a constant state of sadness. You weep and you wonder how you'll get through it, how life can be so ugly. Hear me when I say there is a way to see the light again.

I understand that it is hard to relate your feelings to another person and even beginning to talk of it can bring up the worst feeling of anxiety, but I want you to know that that discomfort will be worth it. Opening up to someone and telling them how you feel is so much more important than denying yourself that feeling of happiness.

Don't deny yourself the right to feel without sadness, to love yourself, and to live a life without the tinges of sadness and darkness. You owe it to yourself to be happy because as cliché as it sounds, you only get one life and it would break my heart if you spend that life riddled with depression, anxiety, and sadness. Open up. Talk to someone: a friend, a therapist, a parent, anyone who will listen and provide you with the chance to speak your mind and open up.

I am no expert and my advice should by no means be taken without knowing that there are resources for you and people who will work their hardest to make sure you can smile without the burden and laugh freely again.

I love you, dear friend and I hate to see you sad. Do yourself the greatest service and try to help mend your broken heart. You owe it to yourself and to the world to break out of this dark hole.

All it takes is one step and I will be holding your hand through it all.