Depression is one of the most misunderstood illnesses, even though it affects 1 in 5 people during their lifetime. There are many misconceptions about mental illness, and those of us that suffer from it have gotten used to hearing the same, often well-meaning but clearly misguided, responses over and over again. Here is what you shouldn't say:

1. "You should try Yoga!"

Trust me, I have. I've tried just about everything under the sun, but when you don't even have the will or energy to get our of bed in the morning, sun salutations seem nearly impossible. Don't get me wrong, yoga can be a wonderful tool for those coping with depression, but most of the people who say this act as if yoga is a cure, which it isn't, and it definitely doesn't work for everyone.

2. "Aren't you afraid your antidepressants will turn you into a zombie?"

Or at least, I was.This is one of the most common misconceptions about treating depression, and the fear of antidepressants diminishing my creativity or my personality is what kept me from getting the help I needed much sooner. It is a trial and error process, and I have definitely had some bad experiences with medication, but I wouldn't be where I am today if I hadn't taken a chance with meds.

3. "You should be grateful, a lot of people have it worse than you."

I have told myself this on many bad days, and it doesn't do anything but make me feel guilty for having an illness I can't help. Depression can happen to anyone, no matter how good you have it. While depression can be situational, it is an illness of the brain and is caused primarily by brain chemistry. Telling me how good I have it will not make my depression go away. I can't just tell myself to be happy, to stop being tired, and to enjoy things again.

4. "You just want attention."

It's pretty much the opposite. There are days when I would be happy to not have to see our talk to a single person.

5. "It's all in your head"

Hmm... maybe that's why its called a mental illness! All joking aside though, this can be really infuriating to hear. Since depression (as well as other mental illnesses) have little to no visible symptoms, people tend to not take it as seriously as they take other illnesses. Just because you can't see my struggle, does not mean that it isn't there.

6. "But I thought I made you happy?"

This really isn't about you. Contrary to most John Green novels, depression can't be cured by someone falling in love with you. It isn't romantic either. It's hard, and it can kill you. Please stop taking my illness personally.

7. "But you don't look depressed..."

Sometimes people think if you're depressed you can't ever smile, but it doesn't usually look like that. I can have good days. I can laugh, and put on a fake smile for my family and friends. That doesn't change the way I feel.

8. "That's just an excuse. Stop being so lazy"

I don't want to lie in bed all day or sleep over 12 hours. I want to be productive, but some days I just can't. Depression can not only make you tired all the time no matter how much sleep you get, but it also destroys your will to do just about anything. I can't even do the things I used to enjoy anymore, let alone everyday tasks that need to be done.

9. "You must be super creative."

This one has a lot of variations, but the main message is the same. Many people think being a "tortured soul" somehow makes you an artist. While some people may think this is a compliment, trust me, I would much rather regain my will to live than write a hit song, or paint something that will be worth millions of dollars years after I'm already gone.

10. "I know how you feel"

This is super invalidating.

To those of your struggling, just take it one step at a time. The little victories are often the most important. And to those of you who know someone struggling, we DO need your support. Try instead asking us if there is anything you can do to make us feel more comfortable. Please don't take it personally when we are distant or moody. Even just telling us you love us can make a whole lot of difference.