[OC] Completed a 5k today at the Budapest Marathon. This is significant for me since I isolated myself for 6 months last year due to severe depression.

After crossing the finish line, I sat down on the road and cried tears of joy. I felt so grateful. Many people were cheering and encouraging the runners, and I appreciated all the support. It made me feel connected in a foreign country. Traveling alone to Budapest, Hungary, to run this race was a big step for me. I wanted to prove to myself that I could accomplish things and that my physical and mental health were not as bad as I thought. I often worry about my health, which leads to anxiety attacks.

I wanted to share my experience because some people came up to me after I received my medal, asking if I was okay since I was crying. I explained that I was just really happy. Last year, I struggled so much that I couldn’t even walk up one flight of stairs and spent six months isolating myself. I felt terrible about myself and thought things would never improve. Writing this makes me emotional again. I am so thankful for how far I’ve come and for all the opportunities I have now.

To anyone out there who is having a tough time: you can overcome it. Things will get better, and you might be surprised by how much. What do you think about this story?

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