I've faced depression for over half a decade, and I've found a few ways to fight against it. Similar to war, I have a whole catalog of tactics to defend myself.

1. I took the time to write.

Deciding to start to write may have been one of the most life-saving choices that I ever made. Creating characters and focusing my mind on their world was a way to turn my mind from my own darkness to false situations that usually helped me work out my own problems. In addition, writing about my struggles for others who are in a similar situation to read helped me realize that I am not alone in my situation.

2. I paid attention to lyrics.

I never realized how important it was to listen to the words of the song until I started to face depression as a young teenager. Today, I rarely ever listen to a song that doesn’t have some sort of relatable meaning to it. I find comfort in music that I can relate to on an emotional level. I examine the words, finding peace in the moments where I feel less alone.

3. I worked harder.

This tactic was the most prominent in the past four months of my life. I realized one of the best solutions was to fill up my schedule to a point where I’m not alone often. Even though I have the want to spend most days in my room, away from society, I began to have responsibilities, like a job, that forced me to actually participate in the world around me and not simply focus on the thoughts in my head.

4. I found a haven within friends.

Friends are another way that I distract myself. I try to push myself as hard as possible to not say no to every opportunity. I know that I might not be truly happy constantly while out with them, but I know that I am closer to happiness out in the world than I am hidden away in my bed.

5. I built a mental wall.

During my hardest moments, my mental wall stops me from taking any severe, regrettable steps. I force myself to try to look at the positives in the world. I make myself think about the people that I love and that I want the best for.

6. I allowed myself to have a few days in bed.

This may not be the best tactic for everyone, but it is for me. At times, I need to take a break from fighting against the darkness in my mind. I learn from days like this, and I discover the stress of the things that I could have been doing instead isn’t really worth it. I receive a reminder that completing tasks brings me a bit more happiness than lying in bed does.

7. I explored the world on my own.

Taking a walk frees my mind. I am able to feel the air against my skin. I look at the sky and wondered how many people around the world were doing so also. I escape from the challenges in my life and my mind.

8. I cut negative people out.

If someone doesn’t care to try to understand the situation that I am in, I do my best to pull myself away from them.

9. I talked about it with someone.

I let a few select people into my mind. I don’t simply allow myself to be isolated, I embrace the people surrounding me. I speak the words that plague my head.

10. I searched for help.

I went to a counselor. I found a doctor. I’m trying antidepressants. I’m trying new solutions. I’m not giving up.

11. I realized I wasn't just fighting for myself.

I realized that maybe people were being honest when they said they care about me. I took in their words and decided that living my best life doesn’t just benefit me and my mental state, but also possibly theirs too.

12. I tried to find out where my happiness is.

I have faced depression for so many years that I struggle to try to make a list of what actually makes me feel pure happiness. I want to figure out what belongs on such a list. I want to know what may make me experience the joy that I see on the faces of those that I love. I want to make my life worth living.

I've decided that depression wouldn't end my life, but instead I would allow it to push me to be the best person that I can be. Somedays it's harder than others, but it's worth it when I find myself accomplishing something nobody ever believed I would be able to because of the darkness in my head.