Ever since middle school, I've been tortured by people who looked down on me because of my sexuality, how I dressed, and who I hung out with. I would get called fat, ugly, disgusting, "sasquatch," cutter, gross, weird, fag, dyke.. you name it. I used to be extremely outgoing, but the amount of torture I went through sent me into depression and I became introverted. I pushed all of my friends away, self harmed, starved myself, and attempted suicide. Everything went spiraling out of control, until one day I ended up in the hospital with stitches in my arm. My parents found out everything. This was 3 years ago. I'm a sophomore in high school now, and I still battle depression, bullying, and alienation; though I was transferred to a private school because my peers in a public school tortured me. The crazy, outgoing girl I used to be is gone and I've become a quiet introvert. I get picked on for a lot still, but I've become a lot stronger. I'm happy to say I've been free from self harm for 2 years now. I could have killed myself years ago. If anyone who's struggling is reading this, I am living proof that it DOES get better. Please, feel free to leave me a message at http://www.understated-elegance.tumblr.com/ask .. I will answer you if you EVER need to talk. I'm here for each and every one of you.. you all are somebody. You all are important.