I’m not depressed. I have depression. There is a difference. My depression does not define who I am. I’m learning to live with it, rather than let it take control.
In 1997 I asked my dad why he had a suitcase….he said he was going to the laundry mat. He didn’t come back.
In 2004 instead of visiting my nana at the nursing home, I went to the mall. She died the next day.
In 2007 I tried to say no but his hand covered my mouth and he said this was love.
In 2009 I graduated high school. In 2009 my mom became an alcoholic.
In 2015 my little brother found my mom after two overdoses, before Christmas. She survived.
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In February 2016 my mom went to the ICU to start a long battle to survive.
In November 2016 my mom passed away.
In 2017 I brought myself to butler.
In 2018 I started a long journey to have better health but ultimately get diagnosed with cancer.
It's 2019, I’m sober, I’m stronger, I’m living, I’m succeeding, I’m a survivor.
This is me.
Monica's story is part of our series in collaboration with Project Fearless. Read more first-person narratives on journeys to mental health from Bret, Erin, Dylan, and Nika.