For a long time I felt uncomfortable everywhere I go because of my mental illness. Ever since I was diagnosed (at 14) I felt an instant change in the people around me. It's like I wasn't the girl that everybody knew me to be. It really hurt me that the people that I love and are supposed to love me back would really view me so differently... because I have a disorder. I just don't get that. And it's so hard for me because ever since, I've been treated differently. I'm still the same Eryssa. I'm still the same girl that laughs and likes to have fun. I'm still the same girl that loves to go out and make friends. I'm still the same me. And I am no different from you. This applies to everybody. No matter who you are, and no matter what you have going on, we are all one and the same. And there is no arguing that. We share this big green earth together. And mental illness might not affect all of us, but mental health* affects every one of us, oh yes. Why? Because we all want the same thing: we all just want to be happy. Every day each and every one of us wakes up in the morning and try to fight for a good day. As we should. So don't beat yourself up if you have a bad day... having a mental illness is so fun, and I know that. I truly understand. I've seen dark days. So if you are going through a hard time right now, just know that there is a community of people like you going through similar things as you and that you are not alone. And I know that that whole "it gets better" ordeal is annoying. It really is. Because the truth is, yeah it will get better eventually, but guess what sweetheart... it does not get better on its own. Fight for more. Fight for that good day that you want so bad. You deserve it. You deserve the best things in life. And when you find the courage to put that work in, just know that I, Eryssa from Richmond, is so very proud of you.