"We’ve got you..." – These were the first words that had any effect on me.

I suffer from depression, anxiety, insomnia and PTSD to add to it. As if one isn’t hard enough!

I’ve had it for years, perhaps since I started high school, so I got used to having it and keeping control of it.

Unfortunately when I lost my best friend of thirteen years, the late John Crawford, to the same illness, I knew things were just going to get harder.

One thing I knew, the only thing going through my head was: "If John knew I took time off of college because of him, he would come back to life and tell me I am just being silly." My course is important to me, and he knew that.

Shakily, I went to college three days later. I didn’t wash, my hair wasn’t brushed and I looked a mess. I walked into the staff room, pale and tired. The course manager looked at me, ending her conversation.

The next thing I know I’m breaking down on front of my lecturers, which as anyone would know is the most embarrassing thing bar calling them "mum" or "dad".

Let me tell you, you can go to the doctors, or counselling, or even head of to a therapy group, but sometimes, just having that support there, from the most unlikely people, can help you restart your hope for the future.

My lecturers all knew John, and they had known me for a while. When I broke down, they sat with me, they talked to me and they helped me. Anytime I needed them, they made time to make sure I was okay and remind me what hope was.

“We’ve got you.” – And they did. They made me stronger and helped me grow. These words come back to me when I struggle, when I think I’m going to fail because of my illness.

Everyone said I should leave college for a year, but they knew I could do it and they were there for me when John couldn’t be and I know he would be forever grateful to them for it.

Things go up and down, on my up days I can smile, I can breathe. But on my down days, when I can’t see straight or remember why I am here, my lecturers remind me that I am needed, that I am talented, and that I can do whatever I put my mind to. They empowered me with just three words.

I guess my point is: Whenever you feel like you are completely alone and there is no way out, you’ve lost all your friends and you’re losing your mind, there is always someone who wants you to do well, who cares about you.

Even if they aren’t your family and friends, even if they are only in your life for a year or two... Remember: “We’ve got you.”