Almost every person in the world has some type of issue that they deal with every day. They silently battle through it as to appear “normal” to society. It’s like a game played methodically and a scene acted out robotically just to get through the day.

Depression affects approximately 14 million people in America, yet it is largely ignored and untreated by many. No one wants to admit that they are struggling because it it may be "embarrassing" or thought of as "weak." With this many people suffering from bouts of depression, it should be a more common topic for discussion. Everyone most likely knows of someone suffering from this silent attacker, whether he or she is a friend, mother, father, son, daughter, neighbor, or coworker.

Unlike what is often depicted, depression is NOT just a teenage girl listening to Taylor Swift songs while crying in her room over a boy who broke her heart. Depression is smiling one minute and not wanting to move the next. It is a sense of numbness toward everything in life. It is waking up every morning with a sense of dread for having to go through the whole day. Depression is not being able to imagine a future because the person never wanted to make it even this far. Depression makes its home in the mind and refuses to leave no matter how much it is wished gone. Depression often leaves its victim feeling helpless and isolated. Though it is unique to every person who suffers from it, there are many similar symptoms.

People who have depression are usually afraid to seek help. They are worried that they will be seen as weak, or they put it off thinking that tomorrow will be different.

When other people find out that depression has affected a loved one, they often offer words of “encouragement” such as the following:

“Don’t worry. It will get better.”

“…but you have such a good life!”

“Just try to see the good in life.”

“Focus on the positive!”

As well intended as these phrases are, it can leave people suffering feeling as though they are wrong for not being happy. Depression is a parasite inside the host’s brain that cannot be pried away by simply “seeing the good in life.”

People with depression need love and reassurance. They need people to be patient, allowing the person suffering to explain his or her mind even when he or she does not understand the problem himself or herself. A person needs to not take offense when the depressed person says that he or she feels like no one is there for him or her. The person dealing with depression is not trying to be rude; the fact of the matter is that depression's tactic is to isolate and destroy. It makes the person feel like there is no one who can save him or her. Simple, genuine acceptance and love is the best defense against depression. It is amazing how a smile or word of encouragement can spark a wildfire of hope.

I ignored my depression for a long time and refused to get help. I felt like an actress playing a part. Smiling and laughing on cue. Fortunately, I have always had an excellent support team through my family. My family is incredible, and I live an amazing life. I have no reason to struggle with depression, right?

After dealing with depression on my own for about 8 years, I called my mom and requested help. I was embarrassed and afraid of what people might think, but I could not do it alone anymore. I had always imagined that I would grow out of it. I would hit 16 years old and it would magically disappear.

Then I became 18.

Then I became 20.

Still, nothing had changed, and I did not want to live the rest of my life this way. I finally admitted to myself and my mom that I needed help, and I am so thankful that I did.

Every day isn’t perfect bliss, but I am more adequately prepared to battle through the dark days. I am able to more freely enjoy my life without the strongholds of depression. After these many years, I am finally able to see the light at the end of my tunnel (and this time it isn’t a train).

I strongly urge anyone struggling with this monster to seek help and find hope. There is a rope to grab onto in a sea of nothingness. It doesn’t have to be embarrassing or scary. Through sharing your story, you might be able to help someone else. We should band together to fight this darkness.