To Those Struggling With Depression Right Now

Growing up and even now as a young adult, I always wanted to be known for being courageous and brave. Though people have told me I’m brave, I didn’t believe it because I didn’t seem to fulfill any of those expectations that could deem someone as courageous and brave. I wasn’t fighting for something that was impossible, wasn’t doing anything remarkable, wasn’t risking my life for the justice of the world. None of it. My life in a sense is very ordinary. I go to college, I attend church, I work part time and the rest of my time is spent hanging out with my friends. Nothing that’s changing the world or making a major global impact.

But over this week, I realized I’ve been dealing with depression for years. The fact that I’m still here shows I am brave. I am courageous.

I am courageous and brave for continuing in this fight and not letting it win.
I am courageous and brave for living another day with this monster.
I am courageous and brave for staying.
I am courageous and brave for seeking help.
I am courageous and brave for doing all I can to get better.
I am courageous and brave for choosing not to give up even when that’s all I wanted to do.

And so are you. To be here taking this next breath, to seeing another day, to being alive, when all you want to give up, is what makes you brave and courageous. To be dealing with a mental illness that consumes so much of you and sucks the life out of you, yet you’re still here fighting and not letting it win — that takes incredible strength and resilience. The fact that you’re reading this, shows you’ve gotten up every time after being knocked down, and though you may not have control over this monster, you are continuing to choose to fight against it every day.

So my friend, if you haven’t been told lately, I need you to know this: you are so brave, you are so courageous and you are so strong. I just want to thank you for still being here and continuing to shine your light even while your world is filled with darkness. Your story matters. Your life matters. You matter.

Much love.

If you or someone you know needs help, visit our suicide prevention resources page.

If you need support right now, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or text “START” to 741-741.

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Getty Images photo via Grandfailure