This was a brilliant piece, Anangsha! And I am so glad you are better now and are not in that dark place. Almost halfway through, I really wanted to just DM you and ask if you were fine, but then realized that this would have been way in the past, like you mentioned at the end.

I understand that you didn't share this side of you and compared to your usual content, it is very off-brand, but I don't think it's about getting sympathy. This vulnerable, honest, moving piece is real and valid and I'm glad you shared it. I've been feeling this way a lot lately and I kept comparing myself to others who have it so together, and this piece showed me there's a way out. Coming from someone like you, it hits even stronger and kind of gives me hope.

This is not to romanticize depression. It sucks and can be utter hell, I know. I'm really thankful you found ways to be this version of you now. If you'd ever like to open up about this again, I hope you know your community is here for you.

Also, this is the longest Medium response I have ever written :")