Depression does not happen over night. It happens slowly, like a cold. Once you are in the full swing of it, you have to recognize that it is here, and it will go away-not all at once, but you will make it out alive. The reason for this article is because this past February what started out as minor moments, became depression. Once these moments became more frequent and worse, I finally saw my doctor and was diagnosed with depression. When he confirmed what was going on with me him, my family and loved ones helped me fight this cold.

Many people today come out and talk about their depression, and for me, the best way to end this cold and to fight it full on when it comes back, is to share my writings about it.

Back in March, I picked up a small notebook filled with many pages, and I began to write. I wrote anything and everything that was going on while I struggled to control my emotions. Never did I believe I would become suicidal. I’m always a happy person- you can ask anyone who knows me. But I had these terrible thoughts, mainly while driving, about hitting a tree or another car. It didn’t matter to me and all I wanted was to put my life on pause.

I was also skipping class at college for fear of showing how I was behaving, as well as missing assignments. On top of that, I ran away to bookstores and parks to hide away in nature and reading. I tried desperately to mask what was happening to my professors, but they realized that there was something going on. The first step in my battle against this cold was sitting down with one of my professors (who is the head of the department), and share what has been going on with me. I trusted her, and giving much care and respect, she told me what to do and as well shared with some of her colleagues what was going on with me.

Now, this seemed like the end all be all for me, since my professors recognize that I am a happy student, but by letting them know what was happening in my life they became concerned and went out of their way to help me. Now, you are probably wondering about my home life, dear reader, and my family helped me the best way they can: love. Through my bouts of hysterical crying and dark emotions, they helped comfort and console me. They all had suffered through this and they took care of me when I needed them.

My boyfriend, Stephen, helped as well. He suffered through depression much younger and he made sure, through every step of help I needed was the right treatment. My friends also stepped up and made certain I wasn’t alone. One particular person, my friend Tina, texted me often making sure I was okay and that she was there for me.

During this “cold” when I felt so alone, I never was. The support I was given and the help I attained is so wonderful that I dedicate my article to you and everyone, dear reader. We are not alone, and we certainly do not have to suffer alone. As a good friend told me, depression is like a cold. It comes and you must do what needs to be rid of it. It’s comes and goes so fight every step of it.