Perspective.

             This isn't the easiest thing to gain. Sometimes we forget that we aren't the center of the universe. Sometimes we focus our energy on the wrong things, on the wrong problems. We contemplate with ourselves, we vent with others; because we just want our strife to mean something. We just want our pain to be legitimate.
              There are emotions that are harder to control, and there are ones that are easier to get a hold of. Don't be ashamed of the problems in your head and in your heart that have a real impact on you, that shake you to your core. These things aren't your fault. But remember that other people can handle certain things better or worse than you can. We all have different levels of what makes us want to scream our lungs out, or not want to get out of bed in the morning. Try to be understanding, because everyone fights their own battles. A hurdle someone else faces may seem small to you, but it could be extremely significant to them. Don't allow yourself to wallow in certain situations. Pulling yourself out of certain moods is hard, but you know what you are emotionally capable of and what you aren't. You need to listen to yourself, or you're going to be wasting so much energy on things that shouldn't have such an affect on you.
              Trying to gain perspective is hard, because it tells us things we don't want to hear. Other people are worse off than you are, don't feel bad for yourself, there are bigger problems in this world. All these words do is make us feel worse.
               All I can tell you to try to remember is to think of life in the grand scale. In your worst moments, try to think about the big picture. In your life, all that matters is doing what you want with it. Many, many things will fog your vision, and make you temporarily forget what is important to you; but those things come back, you remember again.
               Some days, it may not feel like your pain should be legitimate, but it is to you. That's all that matters. Other people's opinions don't. We need to stop searching for the approval of others, because sometimes people aren't on your side. Sometimes they get caught up in their own problems, and have a hard time with perspective themselves.
                Keep trying to understand yourself and your emotions, and keep trying to be understanding of those of others. Don't give up on growth, and don't try to close off your mind. Even when it feels like no one around you is trying, the fact that you are is important. It means something. Sometimes things are hard to hear, but in the end they'll make you better off.