Goodbyes are never easy, but goodbyes that shouldn't have to happen are the hardest. A year goes by and it still doesn't feel real, knowing that someone's life was ended far too soon. When something like this happens, you can't help but think about all the things that you could have done, could have said — it is impossible to comprehend how someone you know can just be gone in the blink of an eye.

That's the thing about depression though. It's an internal struggle. It's different than a cold, because the symptoms often go unnoticed — even the more obvious symptoms get chalked up to the person being "overdramatic." It's different than cancer, because it's not talked about-- people stand with pride marching for cancer and cancer research, yet somehow mental illness is a taboo. For the longest time, the world tried to pretend that mental illness wasn't even a real thing. Or worse, if someone was suffering from depression, it was their own fault.

We often have so much we want to say to someone, but sometimes time goes by before we get the chance. Since I now live by the motto "Leave no word unspoken," here are some things I want to say to someone who is struggling with depression, and here some the things that I wished I could have said.

To the friend, family member, or stranger who thinks they are fighting a losing battle to depression,

I want you to know 3 things:

1. You are loved.

I know sometimes it may feel like the world is pitted against you. I know there are days where you'll wonder if anyone would even miss you if you were gone. I want you to know that you are loved, and you will be missed. Don't ever let the bad things in your life keep you from believing that there are people out there who really care about you. You are loved, you are cherished. You are someone's best friend, you are someone's child. You are someone's student, you are someone's soul mate. I promise you that.

2. You are not alone.

When life gets hard I know how easy it is to feel like you are stranded on an island all alone, but you are not. Look around you. There are billions of people on this planet, and every single one of them is struggling in their own way. You are never alone, you are never the only one who is hurting. Please don't even for a second feel as though you have to walk this battle alone. Know that you always have someone to lean on.

3. Your life is worth it.

I know you may not be able to see it now, but your life is important. Without you, the world is a different place. Even the little things you do, like hold a door open for someone, matter, and without you, your presence will be missed. Maybe you will become the scientist to discover a cure for cancer, or maybe you will be the therapist that keeps someone who is feeling like you right now from making a big mistake. You have made an impact on this world whether you realize it or not, and your life matters. You matter.

To the friend, family member, or stranger who lost the battle to depression,

I want you to know 3 things:

1. You are still loved.

I used to think that love meant being with the people you love, but as I have grown older, I know that this is not always true. Love is something that will always transcend death because love never dies. Even though you are no longer with us, you are loved. We will never stop loving you.

2. You made an impact.

Our lives were better because you were in it. We are better people from knowing you. Your friends and family knew what it meant to love someone unconditionally because of you. You changed the world for the better every time you smiled. Even though you are no longer here, the world is a much better place because you lived in it.

3. You will never be forgotten.

They say that time heals all wounds. You are like a scar that we will carry for the rest of our lives, a memory that we can share with others about the great person that you were. Your time here may have been cut short but the impact that you made is one of the only things that truly will live forever. Thank you for the time we had, and know that you are a part of us every day.

If you or someone you know is struggling with depression, know that you are never alone.

Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or visit https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/ for more information.

In Loving Memory of Connor Mullen.

The Immaculata Community, your family, and friends will never forget you.