When I was around the age of 14, I really suffered with depression. I would just sleep the days away. I didn't believe there was any hope of a future. I just couldn't imagine it.

So thinking of where I was back then to where I am now, the possibilities are endless. The most important thing I would want my past self to know is:

No matter what happens, you just have to keep believing in yourself. Even if you're trying to take the next step forward, and you don't know if the step is going to appear, you just have to do it and have this almost blind faith, and just be relentless.

Never let anyone else determine your worth: that's something I've learned as I've gotten older. From relationships to job validation, I used to let other people assert my worth. Now, it's the other way around. I have to make sure my relationship with myself is good, and I need to know that my worth is determined by me.

I believe that when we are operating from that place, the world starts to mirror us and people are more respectful, they do understand.

I would also tell my younger self that:

You're capable of anything that you put your mind to. Just believe in yourself, be relentless. Where there's a will, you'll find a way, and if not, you will make a way. Just keep being around people who lift you up, especially when you're younger, you fall into peer pressure. When you walk away from someone, do they make you feel good or bad? Keep going with your intuition and keep seeking people who uplift you and make you feel good and can see and give you your worth. Because you're worth it.

We need to know we're worth it ourselves. As any person, you deserve to be happy, you deserve to be loved, and you deserve also to be successful. So don't hold yourself back. Go for it. If you're gonna go for it, go all in. Give it everything.

[As told to @Ragi Gupta]