I see you.

I hear you.

I know you.

I care about you.

I love you.

I was once you. Afraid and alone but happy and smiling at all times. Nobody would even guess that inside you feel empty and shattered. You're low on hope and love. You cry yourself to sleep but only because you've been on the edge of tears all damn day. You're hurting yourself. You're hiding your pain. You have lost your passion for school and all your talents. You feel so apathetic. There's a dark cloud overhead and it never floats away or makes room for the sun. You're not quite sure how you keep getting out of bed every day and going about your every day life. Maybe it's the hope that tomorrow will be better or maybe you just don't care so you follow your routine. Whatever it is, it's keeping you here. You have something inside of you that is pushing you forward so figure out what it is and hold onto it dearly.

I don't know your struggle. I don't know what baggage you carry around with you, day in and day out. But I can relate. I know the darkness and depths of depression very well. There was a point not too long ago when we were best friends. What you're going through is important. It matters. Your opinions and your feelings matter. My sweet, invisible girl, you matter.

During my lowest moments I slept constantly, but I also went out with my friends constantly. I maintained my grades while participating in other activities. I didn't think what I was feeling was important enough to be discussed. I hide my own feelings, including from myself. I pushed people away and although I haven't quite been able to fix those relationships, I'm working on it. Luckily for me, I am surrounded by friends and family who are able to support me and give me the love and assurance I need daily. And luckily for you, I am here to give you the love, support, guidance, and whatever else need be. If you ever feel like nobody is standing in your corner, ready to fight for you just remember that I am. I will put on my boxing gloves (after I go out and buy some) and square up against anything for you.

You're probably thinking that this girl is crazy and doesn't know what she's talking about. That I can't possibly care about you because I don't know you. And you might be right. I may not know you therefore having no idea what you're going through. But I don't need to know the details to offer you all the love in my heart. Every single person is worth loving and that includes you. I will listen to you. I'll cry with you and I'll wipe away your tears. I'll buy you a gallon of your favorite ice cream to cheer you up. I'll be your friend. I'll do whatever it takes to show you that you are not the invisible girl, all alone with her thoughts in her room. You're so much more. You're a daughter. You're a sister. You're a niece. You're an aunt. You're a friend. You're loved. You're cared for. You're worthy. You're here.

So from one invisible girl to the next, I leave you with one final message: Keep fighting. One day you will find your voice. Maybe you'll even write for The Odyssey like me. You will find sunshine and the flowers will grow again. You will become better friends with happiness than you ever were with depression. The storm clouds will pass. Hold onto your silver lining and boxing gloves because you're going to have to fight your way out of this dark hole. It will be hard and it will be a struggle, but you will climb out. And you'll have me alongside you every step of the way.