Depression is not "overdramatic," depression is not fake, and more importantly, depression does not define me. Depression is a never-ending state of sadness; however depression, is also a cloud on a sunny day. One might think it's just an excuse to get out of doing something. However, you are very wrong. Depression is the roadblock stopping me from achieving my dreams. It's the one of part of me I wish I could change. Motivation is something I struggle with, but surprisingly depression is a motivator. It motivates me to get out of this "rut" and work my way to the top. It motivates me to not live up to the stereotype and to beat the odds.

You were the silent killer slowly eating away my brain for years. Now I'm the survivor willing to eat yours. You etch your harsh words into my brain like scars from a knife, but I won't listen. You always find a home inside my brain but this time I'm kicking you out.

I won't let you overstay your welcome, and I certainly won't let me control my life like you've always tried to. You can't define me and you can't hurt me. I won't play your game anymore. The constant tears and broken happiness will be no more.

The antidepressant I use to suppress you is temporary, just like you. You will pass and you will go. One thing's for sure, I'm done fighting with you. You lost the battle and I've beaten you. I didn't let you burn me to the ground like you've thought about. I never let you tear me apart to the point of no return. I only let you help me realize how strong I am. I survived with you and I will certainly survive without you.

I promised myself to never give up. Regardless of how hard you try to beat me down and push me around, I'll never let you. Some days hurt and some days sting but I can't let you ruin them any longer. I'll take a deep breath and exhale you out -- this time for good.

Before you tell someone they are being overdramatic, think for two seconds. You have no idea what goes on in their mind. Don't just assume my depression is made up. Believe me, being sad is not all that it's cracked up to be. Thank God every day you get to wake up with a clear head. Every "depression-free" day is a total blessing for me, which I never take for granted.

Depression is not a label or a stereotype. It's a chemical imbalance. It's not just a gray cloud, but a roadblock both physically and mentally. You can not break me any longer nor can you tear me apart in my head, I'm setting you free.