To My Best Friend: Thank You For Giving Me The Space To Open Up About My Mental Illness

I never trusted someone to listen to my story until I met you. Opening up was one of the easiest and hardest things I’ve ever done. I became so comfortable with you and trusted you so quickly, and that scared me. At any moment you could up and leave, which would destroy me a little more. I took a chance and told you about my demons, every dark corner of my past, and this is the response I got:

You listen. Depression and anxiety are hard to deal with, let alone understand if you’ve never experienced it, but you try as best as you can. You listen and give the best advice that you know how.

You never leave me hanging. No matter the time of day or night, you are there when I need to talk about my thoughts and feelings. This means more to me than you could ever begin to imagine.

You never judge me. When I have a panic attack, you never get upset or irritated with me. You reassure me that I am worth this life. You show me why I am important.

You hold my hand through it all. I know I am never alone. I never have to worry about you leaving. You are the definition of a true friend.

You keep your promises. You always keep your promises, but this is something very important. I trust you. I have trusted you for a long time and I know I can continue to trust you for the rest of my life.

But the most important thing you have done for me since I opened up to you?

You have never given up on me. Time after time, I would open up to friends who never understood my feelings. Whether I get anxious, depressed, or even suicidal, you never give up on me. Whether I take five steps forward or immediately take ten steps back, you ALWAYS have faith in me.

These are a few things I can never thank you enough for.