Shaun David Hutchinson is one of my favourite authors.
In all of his books you can feel that he's been through some tough times and he knows exactly how to write about it in fiction.
In this however, he goes back to his teen years to show us exactly what was up, how he realised he was gay (then later ace), how he struggled with mental health, self-harm and many other issues. He also clearly shows that he is gay and depressed but one isn't the cause of the other. Both coexist but don't have to as a default.

But ultimately he tells us this: You'll find yourself, you'll find your place, you'll find ways to manage your mental health issues. And no things don't miraculously go away but you'll find people and places who will make you feel just a little safer and like you do actually belong in this world.
After all, "we are the ants, and we keep marching on".