ever experienced denial?

Anything. From identity issues to relationships, whatever. Something made me remember I used to deny I was mentally unwell and it kept me going through my academics until I eventually had a meltdown at my final year in junior high school.

My social science teacher's advice back then? Whenever you feel an episode coming, deny the thought of depression so you don't end up in a miserable slump that'll make it hard for yourself to get out of. Clearly, I hadn't taken the advice to heart, cuz I'm now on and off with my mental stability. Which isn't any better than when I was in denial about it.

I'll be the most outgoing and happiest person you'll ever meet in public, but once I come back home and mute my messaging apps, I'll be the most saddest, pathetic person you've ever known.