Simplified Version
Alice. 24. highly sensitive person. wallflower.
biology and psychology. recent college graduate 2011.
chronic insomniac. maladaptive perfectionist. ex-selective mute.
acne vulgaris. body dysmorphic disorder.
chronic fatigue. general anxiety disorder. major depression disorder.
Overcoming fears on Popping Balloons and Youtube.
Extended Version
Dear Reader,
I’m Alice. I’ve graduated college with a biology and psychology degree. Currently, I am job searching. I was diagnosed with my major depression disorder and general anxiety disorder in 2007, but have had these illnesses since I was younger. I was in therapy in my sophomore year in college until my senior year. I am currently off antidepressants and I currently use Retin-A for acne.
I had dreams before coming to college, but ever since my depression, I’ve earned average grades and failed some of my science courses. It was difficult to focus, motivate, and encourage myself. I had a dream, but I had no faith in myself throughout my college life. Recently I’ve gained the some confidence to even live. I am learning to live and learn about myself and my surroundings. Although I am progressing slowly, I am learning to love my existence in this world.
Up until my sophomore year in college, I was a selective mute. Recently, I am learning how to speak out with my side project 365 Voice Recordings of a Highly Sensitive Wallflower.
I am here to understand and analyze my thoughts away from depression, anxiety, and fears. I am here to be a part of a growing community of mental illness sufferers. I am here to find meaning in my own life as I become a functioning young adult.
Thank you for visiting. If you ever want to talk, please do not hesitate to comment on my posts or e-mail me.
Sincerely,
Alice
P.S. Depression, anxieties, and fears can be overcome with love and understanding. Love thyself to know thyself!
hi. I like your blog. I am an infj as well. Please check out my blog at hopehealing.wordpress dot com. I hope you like it. Elaine
Hi Alice,
I am 25 years old, a mother of two little boys (and expecting again) and suffer from depression. I can relate very well to your blog and applaud you for having the courage to write about it. I started a website to hopefully help me with my depression (as well as write about life subjects in general) but end up wimping out during my most depressive episodes in fear of judgement as most of my audience is family and friends. Your blog is honest, witty, and encouraging. Keep writing!
-Jen
hello, I just found your blog, and am a fellow lover of quotes! Looks like we’re blogging on similar themes – I am a 23 year old medical student recovering from depression, one step at a time. Good luck, Alice!
Thank you, Char. Good luck to you too
I have a small linguistic request. I am writing my MA thesis on sociolinguistics and on the therapeutic function of keeping a blog or a diary. I’ve been reading your blog and I would like to ask you to fill in a short, anonymous questionnaire related to the process of writing and its benefits. Please, contact me via e-mail if you are willing to help. I will give you more details, then.
Best regards,
Agnieszka
Hi, thank you for writing what you do. Your posts really resonate with me. You do have a talent for writing, and when I read through your blog I think, ‘what a beautiful person’. Good luck with your job hunting!
Thank you for visiting, Roseanne.
Your words encourage me. I will do my best. Good luck to you for all your endeavors!
Hi – thanks for your honesty ! I know all about anxiety and depression, and have had it since childhood – though am dealing with it now with alot of hard hard work. For anyone thinking they can never lead any kind of anxiety free life, i promise you that with help, and you must ask for it which is not easy…and patience with yourself…plus your own amazing inner strength which you WILL find…the anxiety will subside gradually along with the depression, and it can be lived with and minimised – i never dreamed i would say that i promise you – but it is true !! My art heals me, and also others i work with. Find your passion and do what your heart tells you to do. Set boundaries – you are as important as everybody else. Always stand proud, as it takes a very very strong person to overcome anxiety and depression, while also trying to function in this type of society and live any kind of normal life…i had to relearn to breathe ten years ago and come out from under the duvet, it was horrendous… and now I am blessed with a child, and am living my dream working as a full time artist! I am a gutsy woman and mother and I can do anything
Go for it !!!!! You’re gonna be just fine!! :.)) Hugs <3 Mel x
Hi Mel
It means a lot to me that you took the time to write this encouraging comment. With each passing day, I feel more confident to live and, as you say, to learn to always stand proud. It feels like I’m owning up to my existence in this world–that I deserve a spot in this world too. I’ve yet to feel I can do anything, but I hope to feel that way soon in the near future. Thanks again 
Hi Alice, you should come join our community on reddit: http://www.reddit.com/r/depression/ and http://www.reddit.com/r/anxiety/
We could use more people like you who are able to relate to others and can vocally describe your emotions and feelings. Check out the site and I encourage you to sign up so you can begin leaving messages to help others, or even yourself.
Thank you for sharing your journey, Alice. I remember being there in many of the same ways as you have been…I was 25 when I first experienced depression. I search for healing in my daily life, to overcome depression’s emptiness that can surface at any time. May you find strength each new day.
Blessings, Erin, BellaBleue
Thank you for your words, Erin.
I am living to experience the moment I am truly happy.
Hi Alice,
Your writing is amazing. Very poignant and thought provoking! You must be spending quite some time on decorating your blog too. Its got good layout and design. Would certainly like to continue visiting it and reading what you write!
Joel