If I could do it, so can you - a recovery success story.

Hello dear community.

Ive been on 7cups for quite some time and just went through all my old threads and wow. It really struck me how things have changed. As a short warning, I will mention SH but without any details.

I believe 6 years ago was when I had my first SH experience and, like it happens often, went downhill from then with me getting into this spiral of this vicious cycle. This time and the two years after that were the lowest points ive experienced in my life ever. I actually did not expect to stay even until my 16th birthday.

Here I am. I am turning 20 this year. I am the happiest, healthiest I have ever been. The topic SH rarely crosses my mind, and ive been clean for more than 4 years. Ive had my first healthy relationships. Genuine connections. I have learned to respect my body and honour it. From failing all my classes, I ended up being one of the top 10% in my school. I am so beyond grateful that I did not give up back then because the most amazing experiences were on their way to me.

I am sharing this because I remember how genuinely hopeless I felt back then. I genuinely did not believe I could have this life. But it is here. And of course, life still throws obstacles at me and sometimes I feel like I cant manage. It is not like life in general suddenly gets easier. But I have created this safe space within me, where I can always feel home no matter what is happening in my life around me.

To anyone reading this: I really do believe in you. And its time you do too.