My whole life I've struggled with mental illnesses and bullying. When I was ten I was diagnosed with Schizophrenia, Bipolar depression, and anxiety. Once that came out, my school/social life got even worse for me, because suddenly people were scared of me, or saw me as a even more of a freak, even if I hadn't really changed. It got to the point where I had to be home schooled for years. I didn't really have any friends, and I felt helpless. I always asked God why he gave me these problems. I didn't think it was fair. There were many times where I wanted to just give up and kill myself. But I kept going. And every day when I made the decision to keep going, I got stronger. Skip ahead to when I was 17 and I began losing my eyesight to an autoimmune disorder called Chronic Relapsing Inflammatory Optic Neuropathy. I got angry with God. Why did I have to lose my sight when I already had to deal with severe mental illness? All I could think was that it wasn't fair. But still, even when I knew that one day I wouldn't see any more, I kept going. And every day, choosing to live and make the most of what I did have, I got stronger. My family always told me that God doesn't give us more than we can handle. God gave me these things because he knew I was strong enough all along. I'm nearly 20 now, and I'm living with and engaged to the love of my life. My eyes don't work quite right. I battle my own mind every day with my mental illness. And yet, I keep going. And I know I can continue to keep going, even if things get worse than they are. Because that's just who I am. What I've been through has made me strong.

What kind of person bullies a blind person ? This depressed me even more.

'When I stopped speaking, I stopped fighting for myself to be understood.' Thank you for this

I just can't tell you enough how inspiring and empowering you are😘😘 you are one of the strongest people I've ever seen

I am 18 years old I have struggled with depress anxiety and poor self image for most of my life it got really bad about 5 years ago but I was officially diagnosed and began my journey to finding strength only about 4 years ago its still a struggle but I have an amazing support system in my mom, my grammie, my council and a few of my close friends. They help me so much At my worst I could barely get out of bed and often found myself contemplating self harm and even suicide. Luckily I got help before I actually tried either. Now while I still have days horrible days where I feel like its not worth it to go on they are few and far between and like I said I have amazing people in my life to lean on when those days do come. On top of that I am a CNA student and often find that going to the nursing homes and helping the residents feel better really helps me. Strong feeds strong and the men and women there are so strong and invaluable when it comes to helping me find my strength.

Your so empowering. Please keep doing what you do. Because your amazing.

Molly, your unabashed enjoyment of public speaking is slowly chipping away at a long-held fear of mine. I actually love speaking to an audience-I have an inexplicable desire to connect people to stories, ideas, and resources that can encourage and inspire. And when I'm talking to a crowd, I feel bizarrely at ease and content. But I've always been reluctant to pursue speaking opportunities, fearing that others will perceive me as attention-seeking or that my experiences aren't important enough to be shared. There's just something about the way you've kept at this line of work... How you are unapologetically interested in sharing your story with others, obviously believing it's a valid way to make a difference. I don't know. You're just changing the way I see things.

Thank you so very much. I always considered myself to be very stubborn, and i have been criticized for it. You have made me realize that my stubbornness is really inner strength. I have been legally blind for 3 years and struggling with depression all my life. Your words have given me a “light bulb moment”. I am stronger than i know. Molly you are a blessing!!

Very empowering.

i love you. your videos are amazing.

I'm literally crying. Love you so much, keep doing what youre doing.

Molly, I have been struggling with some mild anxiety and you saying that a huge way to cope with mental illnesses is helping others brought tears to my eyes because I realize I need to do that and this anxiety will fade. Thank you so much.

You and your videos are amazing! Keep up the great work!

Your Dove ad played before this video for me! So excited for you, thank you for being so inspiring by living so boldly.

Wow thank you for beeing such a lovely person. You really made my day with this video.

This video needs more views! Ty for sharing your story.

you are truly incredible Molly!

Thank you for speaking so honestly about your struggle. You are a very inspiring person. You saying: "When I stop speaking, I stop fighting for myself to be understood." hit me right in the heart, and made me realize what led me to start doing art, and why it's so important to me. I can't possibly thank you enough for starting that thought in my mind that made me understand myself so much more.

Thank you very much. Reminded me of my own turning point and taking back my own identity. Still in the process of healing, but you gave me the motivation to steel myself and plow through. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Preach. You're awesome.

You're so awesome!!! You are so positive and inspiring. I really love watching your videos! You do such an amazing job!!!!

thank you SO much!

This is such an amazing story!

Great story molly you are wise beyond your years thank you for sharing your story

I am going through very tough situations in my life... But after watching you... I realised it's far easier than your life... Thank you so much Molly for inspiring so many people...

your such an inspiration.

Thank you Molly this really help me be happier and more understanding that other people have problems worse then me. Love you so much. 💖

You kill it every time pretty lady. Your videos make me feel human again. Thank you

You're doing a great job, Molly. Having watched your videos, I've come to truly appreciate the lives that blind people live. Thank you.

Thank for this message. My bipolar disorder and PTSD has been crippling at times and the best medicine I found over a life time of emotional rollercoasters was hoping others get past there trials.. it fuels and he's me and has opened doors and brought other to help me.. I see a community that too many don't see see.. thanks for your words and work

I love this!

I love this channel! You are an awesome person, and I've learned so much from you. Thank you so much. Oh, and you are so beautiful and I love your style! :)

You're so strong!

Hi Molly. I suffer with depression, but am still on the road to recovery. It seems along way away at the moment,. I found this video helpful. Thank you. x

your hair is stunning in this video! You always look stunningly beautiful though💙

Love you Molly ~

This morning I learned about the Japanese concept of "ikigai"...or, the reason each of us has for getting out of bed every day, our passion. We don't always know what our ikigai is, but in this concept of human life, we all have one, and it's said "there are two most important days in each of our lives: the day we are born and the day we discover why." Big hugs to you! This video is so impactful and so are you.

Nice vid and great hair, Molly!

I have been depressed, I'm still depressed but these help me feel better about myself and help me understand that I don't have it so bad and it is helping with my depression

Hello Molly! Thank you so much for posting this video. I look up to you very much. When I was young so was told what to say and pushed in to public speaking. I want to start a blog now in the same way. I feel empowered helping irger, but the one thing Zi will say is it also helps you help yourself, because you rewrite your story, and you are your own hero. Anyway my story is that I was born totally blind and for whatever reason astonished the doctors by gaining some sight. No one can tell me anything about my eyes, as the condition is so rare. Doctors poked and prided at nev saying, "Look! That is so cool!" It made me feel seen and not heard. I told my mother I liked when people listened to me when speaking. She misunderstood and thought I'd become arrogant, so she put me down and gave me a so called reality check. She may think that she is protecting me, but all she did was encourage a low self esteem. She told me because of my eyes I would never be seen as pretty. Then I got awfully sick when I was 9. I had been exempt from lots of things in school, even art to learn reading and writing. Then I was suffering with a lit of pain. Two years later I was told I had Crohn's Dusease. Slowly my life got harder, and Zi felt helpless, so I stopped trying. About 23, I got in to holistic medicine and spirituality. Now I am a practicing Wiccan. All those things are hard when you don't have visdion, so that is what my blog is about, empowering those of life chalkenges, with a spiritual flar, including as many religions and alternative resources as possible. I believe in all. All paths lead home. We are all one! Elyse Rosewood

My older brother has RP and today show him one of your videos, he is also a youtuber but his is a game challenge, and I just like the way his eyes ligth up and he almost tear I think.

sorry for your struggles 😘

My depression started in 7th grade, or at least that's when I remember recognizing that something was wrong. In the beginning of eighth grade was when I started self harming, which was the worst idea I've ever had in my life, because two years later it's still controlling every part of my life. Every time I get better, I get worse soon afterwards and every time I get worse I reach a new all time low. And when I do get better it lasts anywhere from a few months to a few days. I'm not really sure how long I can keep doing this. I asked my mom to get me a therapist and she never did, probably because I lied to her and told her that I wasn't cutting again (ha again, as if I ever stopped) and with every day I see how many people don't care about me and I'm really struggling to see the point. But I have this friend who's in eighth grade now, and they are going through the same thing I went through/ am going through, and the only reason I'm still here is because I know that if I died, my best friend would too. And this is a selfish thing to say, but even that is starting to not matter anymore. Wow, I'm such a terrible person I don't even care if my best friend lives or dies...

So much of what you talk to us about reminds me of being LGBT in middle school. I remember being attacked plenty of times because people just perceived me as gay (I didn't come out until I was 19) and I would be suspended because I was involved in the fight even after telling the teachers and principles what was happening to me. My parents weren't willing to help. It was a very hard time and I wanted to die. Eventually I decided I wouldn't even speak and that didn't help things at all. I'm a lot happier now. You had to deal with losing your sight and I thought that I had it hard.. you're so strong and funny and I wish that back then I had access to people encouraging me like you do for people now. Perhaps there were resources but I didn't know how to access them in rural Tennessee. Thanks again. Keep making funny videos too!

I have a similar story but I am a bigender, deaf, ill and blind.

I love you..

You are so beautiful and amazing! I just love you and your video's

Honestly I believe and know from everyone that junior high stinks, it is a tough time for everyone and those of us that are unique struggle more because we are good and sensitive people. When we get past it all we become the strongest butterflies that never die, it is just hard getting through the crumby cocoon of early adolescent junk. Always stay Molly, you are so lovable. Here is a silly question - can you do a video on how you keep your closet, clothes, laundry and deal with that organization and its issues in your daily life, when things are normal and not so good? It would help many. Keep sharing = caring. Blessings! I am always on the path to get stronger and sharing it, eventually I will be strong enough to go back and finish school and try to help many others, especially those with special uniquenesses in their lives, along with their loved ones, furry or otherwise ;)

Molly, love everything you do! :) 2 things: I think KZfaq next up is on, if it's on in Canada you should totally do it!! the second thing, what camera and lens do you use to record? the composition and image always looks great :)

Could you make a video of how you work out ? Thanks a lot :) :*

Molly you are beautiful and how long does it take for you to get use to moved furniture or do you keep the same setup I've been wondering how that works

💜💜

Great video Molly!! I love, love love your videos..oh, I must say..you look Adorable in those cute overalls!! 😊

I have a question. When you lost the majority of your vision, was it like you woke up one morning and it was gone, or was it closer to a rapid deterioration, waking up each morning with less and less vision?

There's two mys in the title.

+MollyBurkeOfficial *Congratulations on landing a spot in a Kellogg's® public-service program!* The Kellogg Foundation fields a number of PSA threads consistent with the current (as of 2017) Special K® story series.

I feel exactly like you about my life but it's too persnal to talk about it

Hello Molly iam Sighted i live in Western Australia and i have battled depression for a long time Iam 21 and iam a domestic violence survivor and my violence came from my father and his wife and it lasted two years and I was mentally and physically and financially abused I didn't think I was going to survive it I was paying my father rent of 320 a fornight out of my disability payment and he was getting cares payment for me and last year I told him I was going to stop paying him rent cause I wanted a life of my own and he said if u don't have that money in his bank account by midday I will have no choice to take you to court my heart dropped my own father saying that so I went to the police and they didn't do anything so the next morning I got a lawyer and I went to court myself and I got a restraining order against him and then I had to go again cause he objected the order then I had to face him and his wife in court and I won now he can't talk to me or see me for two yearsno when i had depression my dads put me on sudice watch and then his wife this is why i can't say her name. i came home one night and she was sooo angry that i hadn't done it she wanted me gone and she went into the kitchen and grabbed a knife and i thought she was making dinner but she wasn't i was very wrong it was for me she came into my bedroom and she put the knife on my bed right in front of me and said if u wanna kill your self here you go and stood there watching me cry and scream but they were too loud cause they were laughing and my father just stood there did nothing i picked it up to try to get them to stop laughing it didn't work but then my father i can't call him dad anymore he picked up and took it away that was just after my 20th birthday so i didn't think i would make it to 21 i thought that night was the end that's what my song on my youtube channel the Night I Can't Move on From is about

You are soooo massiv beautiful!!!

how did you become so comfortable being in front of a camera and starting your channel?

that cactus makes me nervous

it says my twice

Interesting video, but why is it all addressed towards women? Starting from the statistics at the opening of the video, to Molly's wish near the end? Should I leave?

Why is it only about women? Men go through depression too.

thanks to got I'm a man..they never get a depression.

If you suffer from depression, you should go to therapy. You're not gonna get help from someone on the internet. You don't just ''get over'' depression ,either.

What about men