Ever since I can remember, I have had an ongoing battle with recurring sadness. What started as innocent, feeling sad before the school week on a Sunday night in middle school, turned to an obvious struggle with the common mental health diagnosis — depression. If only we could break the stigma, and shine a little bit of respect upon those that truly struggle with this illness. No, it does not mean that everyone who struggles with this is unable to continue their normal routines, although that does happen in more severe cases.

Depression, for me, is feeling sad on a chronic basis, without having any reason to feel that way.

Depression, for me, is wondering in a room full of loved ones if anyone there truly values me.

Depression, for me, is becoming emotional during a long drive, due to the overwhelming feeling of lack of interest.

Depression, for me, is having a lower motivation, (although my perfectionism contradicts), making it more difficult for me to reach my full potential.

Depression is very common, and thousands of individuals struggle with it.

That's at least one person sitting in the room right now. One person in your office, one person in your classroom, and probably half a dozen at the restaurant.

In a similar sense, my depression is at least 50 percent seasonal. Meaning, I get affected by the cold weather, and winter months. I feel so much more motivation, vibrance, and overall happiness in the summer months, and I owe it to myself to move somewhere where I can feel that way 365 days out of the year.

As I had mentioned, I am also a perfectionist. Depression and perfectionism are often linked, even though they contradict each other. I have so many ambitions in this world, journalism is one of them, and I know that with my desire for success, drive, and overall passion, I will be a great writer in the state of California.

I aim to focus on ways to find solutions to the way that I feel.

I am not proud of my struggle, but I am, however, proud of how I have handled it.

In many ways I feel that depression has made me a stronger person, the person I am today. Although a part of me will always carry it with me, I am always finding new methods for relief, coping strategies, and a new level of strength.

I hope that as a result of this piece, you will reach out to a loved one, family member, old friend, or anyone that you know who might be struggling.

This is an illness that knows no mercy, and many depression sufferers feel a lot of shame and guilt.

This is my depression experience. I hope that in some way, this article may help those who are struggling. There is always help available. My advice to those who are struggling is don't give up, the pain always subsides, and the sadness always relents.

Don't give up on yourself and take it one day at a time. We're all in this together.