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smileforawhile
44,923
L Scholar 4
5 star rating
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Number of ratings88 Number of reviews19 Listens toOver 18 LanguagesEnglish Listener sinceAug 18, 2014 Last activeover 6 months ago GenderFemale PathStep 594 People helped138 Chats460 Forum posts319 Forum upvotes189
Bio
Hi there! My goal is to support you and hopefully lessen your burdens. I understand what it's like be broken down, to feel like there is no end to the pain, to the sorrow. However, I also understand what it's like to crawl out of the deep, dark hole that life can suck us into. I don't have all the answers, but I would love to be there for you when you need it the most. I want to show you that there is light at the end of the tunnel (and if you can't see it, I'll light your candle and hopefully provide you hope that there is an end to all the pain and suffering you are currently experiencing). 
If you want to chat, send me a message. If I'm not online, we can figure out a time that works best for both of us! 
"I survived because the fire inside me burned brighter than the fire around me."
Recent forum posts
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Mental Health/Illness
General Support / by smileforawhile
Last post
 October 7th, 2014
...See more Today at school I attended an online seminar (well, it was a DL presentation) about mental health and illness. We were talked to by two doctors about what mental health and illnesses are and potential causes and treatments. Viewing statistics played a big part of the presentation, also. Last year, 22.5% of people were diagnosed with at least one mental illness. Depression and anxiety were the two main mental illnesses discussed. It disgusted me to hear some of my classmates say; "people who are depressed just hate life and choose to see the worst in everything." "Everyone worries. People with anxiety are just dramatic and need to learn let things go." "Just breathe." I don't believe dealing with depression, anxiety, or any other mental illness is a choice and shouldn't be treated like people choose to have depressive episodes or panic attacks. Having struggled with both, anxiety and depression, it hurts to know that people think that I'm "dramatic" and "hate life". People are not aware of mental illnesses and I believe that is the problem. If people were more aware, it wouldn't be considered taboo to talk about and maybe more people would reach out for help. People don't believe that mental illnesses are serious illnesses, but they are. If someone had a broken leg you wouldn't tell them "just breathe and stop being dramatic. you're fine." Instead, you would suggest them to see a doctor ASAP. So why should a mental illness be any different? I think people needed to be educated on the topic and I'm really glad my peers and I were able to watch this presentation. I believe by educating others, on the topic, we will be able to create a more comfortable environment for people to discuss mental health. I'm honestly not completely sure where I am going with this, but I just felt like sharing. All thoughts, regarding what I have written, are appreciated. (I'm not sure if this is a correct place to post this or if this is an appropriate thread to post. Please feel free to delete, if necessary!)    
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Feedback & Reviews
Very supportive and helpful, they've really been helping me relax and think about myself, I'm very happy I chose to talk with them!
Madison has been extremely helpful in helping me with my situation. She is kind, friendly, and emphatic. She seems to truly care about me and what I have to say. She will do anything to help you, no matter what. She directed me to great websites/resources. Madison is supportive and encouraging. She cares. She wants to help. If you have a problem, I highly suggest speaking with Madison, as she completely changed my outlook on things and has helped a great deal. Thank you for listening and for your time.
She's very intelligent and kind. I felt like she listened and cared.
helped abunch was able to go to topic to topic with extream help
Fantastic, thank you.
Really kind and helpful. Aided me in remaining positive and feeling okay about my situation.

Quickly provided feedback and suggestions about my situation!

Thankyou so much smileforawhile! ^_^
Extremely kindhearted and empathetic. Seemed to genuinely care about me and what I was going through. Madison's thoughtful responses made me feel comfortable enough to open up to her and made it seem like she was truly interested in helping. Thank you so much for your time; it's truly appreciated.
Extremely helpful and kind!
Very professional and helpful..! :)
Great listener
You're amazing for listening to me & trying to help the best you can. Thank you so very much!
One of the best listeners on 7 Cups
Meant the world to me to have someone who really cares.
Great person to talk to and will make you smile and bring sunshine into your day!
Thanks for letting me vent a little, I feel a little bit better now
Madison is a great person to talk to!
the support was amazing. this website has definitely helped me better than anyone I know.
Amazing. Very kind!!
Very understanding. Try's to help you in your situation no matter what it is, finds a way to look on the bright side.
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