How I Rebuilt My Life After Hitting Rock Bottom

So, it happened — the worst things imaginable. I was at a job I hated, in love with the wrong person, struggling with my mental health, failing school, and drowning in family issues. It’s painful going through trials and tribulations, but it’s even worse when it’s not just one thing — it’s everything.

At that time, I felt like my whole world was collapsing. Like someone said, “Let’s make her life hell — just for laughs.” And deep down, I knew no one was doing this to me. But that’s how it felt. I couldn’t understand why it was all happening. Was it karma? Was it something I deserved? All I knew was that I was in pain and felt completely alone.

For months, I coped in unhealthy ways — drinking, smoking, hanging out with the wrong people. It was a recipe for disaster. Life was already throwing punches, and I was only making it worse.

One night, I found myself on the floor, crying so hard I couldn’t breathe. I had hit rock bottom. And in that moment, I realized something had to change. I couldn’t control everything around me, but I could control how I responded. So, I made a promise: I would start making small steps toward rebuilding myself — even if I had no idea what that would look like.

Here’s what I did:

1. I ended the relationship that was draining me.

This was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. But it was also the most freeing. That relationship was a source of years of trauma, and walking away gave me the space to focus on myself again. For once, I stopped wondering if I was good enough for someone else — and decided I was good enough for me.

2. I quit the job that was stealing my peace.

If I wanted to heal, I couldn’t stay in a toxic environment. I needed space to breathe, to rest, to feel human again. That meant walking away from a paycheck for the sake of my sanity.

3. I finished school.

I wanted that diploma. I owed it to myself. Even though it was hard, I pushed through because I believed in the version of me, I was trying to become.

4. I sought out mental health resources.

I didn’t go to therapy right away, but I started reading, researching, and finding online support groups. That became the foundation of my healing. (Therapy came later — and that’s a story for another day.)

5. I began forgiving my parents.

This one didn’t happen overnight, but it started when I realized I wasn’t the only one with flaws. They’re human, too. The same grace I wanted for myself, I had to start giving them.

In each of those steps, I did one thing consistently:

I chose myself.

I chose myself when it was hard. When I was scared. When I was crying. When I didn’t know what was next. I chose myself even when it hurt — because I knew no one else could do it for me.

Choosing yourself is not easy. Sometimes it means walking away from people you love. Sometimes it means letting go of habits that helped you numb the pain. But it’s worth it.

I don’t want to tell you not to feel your pain — feel it. Let it burn. Let it break you open. Then let that fire push you forward.

My life back then was in absolute shambles. Looking back, I still surprise myself with the strength it took to keep going. But I’m so glad I did. Because now…

I’m married.

I have a college degree.

I’m sober.

I have a career I love.

I have a relationship with my parents I never thought was possible.

And I promise you — none of that felt possible when I was crying on the floor. None of it felt real. But here I am, five years later, still healing, still learning, and still choosing myself.

My life isn’t perfect — it never will be. I’ve just learned how to keep going. I’ve learned how to face things head-on instead of hiding from them. I’m still working on that every single day.

So, if you’re reading this and you’re in a dark place, I want you to know:

It won’t last forever.

You are stronger than your circumstances.

You don’t have to stay broken.

You can build something beautiful out of the pain.

Let it hurt. Then let it move you.

Let it shape you. Then let it elevate you.

Rock bottom is not the end. Sometimes, it’s the beginning.

If there’s air in your lungs, there is still time to become the strongest version of yourself.

Keep going. You’re worth it.