Depression is more than just sadness. Depression — whether it's major depressive disorder or clinical depression — is a common, but serious, mood disorder that affects how a person feels, thinks and handles daily activities, like sleeping, eating or working, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.
A few people who are depressed and desolated are very close to my heart. I, myself, am not depressed, and I don't know how it ultimately feels, but all I know is that it’s exhausting and not easy.
I wanted to do something that'll help encourage someone who's having a tough time right now, so I gathered 16 willing people and asked them to send a message to someone who’s battling depression.
Some answers can be considered clichés, but they're clichés because there's a truthfulness behind them. And that's what matters most; their words are full of truth and heart to help and encourage those who need it. To my surprise, some even told me stories of how depression affected them, their friends and families.
Depression adds to the ugliness of this world, but people like these add to it's beauty.
Here are the 16 people who went out of their way to give a message to those feeling crushed and struggling with depression:
1) Vanessa
“Don’t be so hard on yourself. When you find yourself in a position to love or to hate – choose love even when it’s hard.”
2) Baru
He quoted Joyce Meyer saying, “A positive attitude gives you power over your circumstances instead of your circumstances having power over you.”
3) Jannell
"Depression is not easy to endure. However, your light is brighter than the darkness."
4) Lanson
“You are you, and you’re the best when you stop trying to be something you’re not. Start being who you really are. You do not need to fix what God has already put his paint brush on.”
5) Tisha
“You are not alone. We can get through this together.”
6) Chris
“Never give up even at your darkest place. Remember – there is still hope. Never let depression conquer you. You have to keep that hope strong knowing there will be a light at the end of the tunnel.”
7) Gabby
“I know that you feel alone and trapped inside your own mind. Your burden is not easily carried. But, I want you to know that you are not alone. You can overcome. Life is beautiful and you deserve to live it. You are rightfully here on this earth. Freedom and happiness are possible. Yes, for you, my friend. My prayers are with you, forever and always. Remember, there is always hope, and you are loved – so much."
8) Lloyd
“When depression hits you, remember you are never alone. Someone out there loves you so much. He sees your pain. He sees you’re hurt. You can be confident that He is doing something, not just to make your life better, but to make you better.”
9) Kelsi
“Inhale the good; exhale the bad.”
10) Jonel
“Depression is not what makes you you. It doesn't have to control you. You were created with unique identity. It was freely given to you by God without a doubt. Remember, there is a life that brings you fulfillment and happiness. You deserve more!”
11) Roxanne
“Having a rough time? Place you hand over your heart. Feel that? That’s called purpose. You were not placed in this world just to go through its motions. I believe you were created because we needed someone with your talent and abilities to make a difference here on earth.”
12) Ike
“Reach out! Meaning, get help! You are not alone. That may sound cliché, but there are plenty of people that will lend an open ear. Even if you aren’t the type to reach out, and talking to someone may not seem like a lot, it helps. It relieves more stress to let someone know about your problems. Even if it’s a minimal amount, just letting your problems be known helps a lot.”
13) Bronson
“Where you are now, whatever situation you’re facing in life, this is not your final destination. The best has yet to come.”
14) Leslie
“Depression is often times a black hole that has a pull greater than we think we can resist. Don’t sink into it. Believe that you have it in you to fight it. The mind is a muscle, as we have often heard. It is developed by habits. Thereby, a strong mind will ward off the spell of depression. It doesn’t define you. Don’t believe that it’s a part of who you are. When things get tough, don’t turn to it like it’s your friend. It doesn’t know the best thing for you. Don’t give it the power to rob you of hope, rob you of your privilege to live. Don’t let it convince you that there’s nothing more to live for.”
15) Maka
“No matter what anyone says or thinks about you, you have a purpose. There’s a place in this world that only you can fill, don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.”
16) Then there’s me, Jeff
“Hey, friend! Yup, you just gained a friend. And no, this is not some type of BS. I know it's weird, but I care about you, and I love you. I seriously do not know how it feels to have depression, but I know that it’s hard; so hard for you, and I want to be right there with you. I want to help, even in my own little way.”
There are many more different people out there who have a message for you, but for now, I hope this helps and encourages you.
If you want someone to talk to about anything — even life in general — I’m here. I want to know you. I want to know your story. You can reach out to me through this e-mail: jefftheecreator@gmail.com
Also, these websites and organizations are here to help you cope with depression:
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention | Anthem of Hope | Anxiety and Depression Association of America | Crisis Chat | Freedom From Fear | National Alliance of Mental Health
