I never thought that something as scary as depression would hit me and that it would take me a full two years to come to terms that I was suffering from it. Two years to tell my family and seek help. I remember sitting in my Spring term at Hanover and thinking 'I just can't do this anymore.' I had thought about suicide. I had debated cutting. I had never talked to anybody about what I was feeling. I felt so alone.

After I got help, I realized I had people at Hanover that really cared for me. More people than what I realized I had behind me were backing me and wanting me to beat this depression. So here I am, still battling it but making it day by day. So here are a few things I would like you to know...

1. NEVER be afraid to talk... People are there for you. I'm here for you. Don't bottle up your feelings and let them out. Tell people how you feel no matter how insignificant it may seem at the time to you.

2. Find joy in the little things... I turned to music. Others turn to family. My family doesn't understand depression. Your family might not either. Don't worry. Give them some time.

3. If you cut, put those feelings on paper. Do not hurt yourself. It won't just end. You won't wake up one day and think "This is the day I stop cutting." You will more than likely make mistakes. Don't let them get you down. It WILL be okay.

4. Reach out. If you are battling depression, find help, then help others. The satisfaction that I get from telling my story and helping others is beyond explanation. I have never felt happier than telling people not to be afraid of talking about depression. Many people suffer from it and need someone to connect to.

5. Realize people love you and need you. My biggest factor for telling people that something was wrong and seeking help were my friends telling me they loved me. So I'm telling you... I love you. I need you here. I need you to tell your story and make a difference.

Remember, no one is perfect. There will be days that are worse than others. I have days were all I feel like doing is sitting and crying and staying in bed. I have days where only my friends and family can make me feel like living. I keep going for my friends, my family, and most importantly Me. I am here to make a difference.

There are many ways to cope with feelings of depression. Find the one that works for you. Everyone is different. Depression does not need to consume us.