We don't talk about it until it's too late. We don't care until we're forced to. We can't even recognize its effects on us, on our friends, our family members. We are uneducated and unaware. We are uncomfortable talking about what it's like to be sad, what's it's like to be stressed, so we simply... don't. We ignore it until we can't anymore. It's time we changed the society we live in. Let's be accepting and supportive, open and honest. Most importantly, let's be brave.

I had depression.

I want to live in a world where I can say that without fear of retribution. I dream of a time when I am no longer embarrassed of an illness I never wished to have. If you have or are currently suffering from depression, I think if anything, you should be proud. Be proud that you live every day fighting a silent battle against your own mind and win. You are strong and determined. You are resilient.

For those of you without experience with the illness, consider this: Why treat mental illnesses differently than any other illness? No one wants to be sick, mentally or otherwise.

I didn't know why I felt the way I did.

Anything involving the brain is multidimensional. There may be patterns but consistency is unlikely where the brain and mental illnesses are considered. The same way each individual is different, each individual case of any given mental illness will also differ.

One of the biggest misconceptions about depression is the problem-solution logic. Naturally, when given a problem (ex: unhealthy sadness) we want to find a solution. "Why are you sad?" Isn't that just the million dollar question? But it's not that easy.

Depression, yes, can be triggered by a life event, such as the death of a significant person, the loss of a job, moving, or a breakup. Even smaller changes, as one of the most common forms of depression is seasonal depression. However, these are just the original triggers.

Why does it persist? Why are some days are better than others? How can it affect the happiest of people? Trust me, the victims of depression want those questions answered just as badly as you do. It can be frustrating but instead of focusing on the why, try focusing on being supportive, even if you don't fully understand.

Thank you.

In thanking those who helped me, I also speak on behalf of everyone who has or is currently suffering. The title of this article is true; these are all the things your children or friends don't tell you.

Thank you to my parents. When I was a kid, you were always there to wake me up from a bad dream and check under my bed for monsters. I'm so sorry that there has finally come a time when you can't solve all of my problems. Just know, I couldn't have done it, and still couldn't do it, without you. Even if sometimes you feel like you're not doing enough, I assure you, you do far more for me than you could ever imagine. I appreciate you more than I'll ever be able to articulate.

Thank you to my friends. Before I ever suffered from depression, I was a friend to many people who did. I know that it is so hard. I know it's scary and I know it's tiring. I know that sometimes they can lash out at you and take you for granted. I'm here to tell you what they maybe don't always say; thank you. Your presence in their lives is a blessing and your efforts are not in vain.

Finally, I would like to thank those of you that read this with an open mind and acceptance. It is my belief that the additional feelings of isolation depression victims face stems from a lack of discussion. There is a taboo nature to the subject and it causes those who experience depression to wonder if they are the only ones who do.

I write this article to counter that misconception. I write this article to say: I'm here for you. I write to say: you are not alone.