Avoiding an Unrealistically Happy Ending

So I've been outlining the story arc of my series and I've realized that although a majority of the story is on the more idealistic side, by the end of the story a bunch of shit has hit the fan. Their world is consumed with war, they win, but many people die and it wouldn't be unbelievable for a couple of the main characters to have developled PTSD by the end. It's established that their world will continue and that they all have places where they can get help.

• I know it's going to be a Bittersweet Ending to an extent, but how do I make sure it's not sugar coated, without getting too depressing?

Earn Your Happy Ending

Had some/all characters on a "Where Are They Now?" Epilogue, showing that they're moving on with their lives (Babies Ever After? And the Adventure Continues?). There's a lot of possibilities here, but don't forget to show that they had to earn this ending.

edited 18th Sep '13 5:33:49 PM by Bleedingbreath