On the outside, every person you meet is going to look like they are alright. No one truly knows what battle you are fighting, whether it be verbal or physical. If you haven't had the experience of these dark demons known as depression, don't assume just because someone isn't bruised or sick that they are okay.
The amount of times that I have been told that I'm alright and to blow it off is too close for comfort. Outsiders can only see what you let them see. It only takes a slight second to stretch those muscles on your face into a smile. People who are used to this dark voice in their head know all of the tricks. The more you are quiet, the more you need to include yourself into conversation. The less you eat, the more obvious it is. So if I act normal, everything should seem fine, right?
No one truly understands how to understand this mental illness. Once that little negative voice starts, you can't even explain what emotion is there. Why am I mad? Or am I sad? When one tries to explain it, it either sounds like you're lying to cover up your emotions or you’re crazy, which in this case neither are true.
When you get brave enough to admit that you suffer from depression, you either get pity (which is not wanted) or you get the "you need help," talk. No one sees this, but admitting that you have depression is a huge step in making yourself happy again. Telling your family or friends this has a huge push behind it, maybe you had enough or maybe you have gotten so mad to the point where you try and do somethings that affects your future here on Earth.
Suggesting to go talk to someone can go either way with someone who is suffering from this. One will either agree, because something needs to be done, or you will completely turn this down, because you are your own worst enemy. Sometimes a physiologist isn't the best option either. Sometimes a simple how are you will honestly go a long way with a down in the dumps emotion. You need your friends more than ever, and putting yourself in that dark place willingly will push them away, because they honestly don't understand what you are going through.
Whether you talk to someone or you brave it out, things will get better. You may see things upside down for a while, but there’s a bright light once you escape the depression. That moment when you can breathe in happiness is so life changing, and this is not an exaggeration. It's something to be proud of when someone chooses to fight for their lives rather than sit in a dark corner, all alone. With this being explained, please know that not everyone is okay, and it's not okay to make assumptions just because someone has a smile on their face. Be there for each other, you never know what battle is being fought.
