Everyone goes through some form of depression at some point in their life. If someone told you that they've never experienced or dealt with depression, they're probably lying. It doesn't matter if it's a small problem or a gigantic one, everyone copes with depression in different ways. Either you get help, participate in therapy weekly or continually learn and practice stress relievers like it's a religion. Or you don't. You say to yourself "It's only a phase," or "It's going to go away," and "There is nothing wrong with me, everyone goes through it." But really it's not OK.

As someone who has battled depression for many years, I know keeping it a secret is very unhealthy. It can lead to a lot of unsettling things, including severe feelings of neglect and even thoughts of suicide. In 2015, depression and suicide became the tenth leading causes in American deaths. Worldwide, more than 350 million people suffer from depression. As you can see, it's a very serious disease.

Even though some people think they don't go through it, you're most likely to face what is known as a 'dark wave.' Netdoctor.co.uk states that over a lifetime, you have a 20 percent, or one in five chance of having an episode of depression. So, if someone says that they've never felt or experienced depression, it just hasn't happened yet. Another unsettling statistic is that women are twice as likely to get depression. The argument is that many adolescent and adult women feel this way because of our society always glorifying perfect and unrealistic women. Girls are always feeling pressured to be the 'best' thing, when really we should be pressuring them into being the best they can be. Not to say men don't have insecurities, because they do, but usually women are the principal target.

Although most facts are hard to hear about this subject, surprisingly, there's an upside to this disease. The support system for depression victims is astounding. It's full of people who are willingly giving everything they have to make you feel better and safe. They're there to guide you through your troubling time, even though you may feel alone in it. Many treatment options are very easy to find, with just one phone call or a click of a button. According to helpguide.org, getting daily exercise, eating the right foods, building your body strength, obtaining a good amount of sleep and having a big support system are ways to treat depression. Also, going to see a therapist isn't as bad as you think. They are there to be a judge-free zone; you can ask and tell them anything and they'll always keep listening. They're not out to make you crazy or put you on all sorts of medications and make you feel like there's something wrong with you; they're there to help you, so let them.

I know it may seem like the end of the world, but it isn't. Dealing with depression alone can be very scary and lonely, but everyone is there to help you. You just have to ask for it. You may be nervous the first couple of talks, but that is very normal. There is nothing wrong with you, and you're not crazy. This disease does not define you and it never will. So don't let it win. If you ever feel stuck in a dark place or just feel like no one is hearing you, I strongly recommend calling theUS Suicide Hotline: 1-800-784-2433 or NDMDA Depression Hotline: 800-826-3632.

Just remember, you're not alone.