For two years I suffered with depression before I sought out the help that I needed and deserved. I remember being in high school and having days that felt so empty, lonely, exhausted and worthless. Some days I was normal and happy, but others I was dark and depressed. I remember thinking that I could handle it. I figured people that had mental health diseases were sick all of the time. If I had at least two to three good days a week, then I could handle it. I thought everyone else had their own problems and I shouldn't bother them with my issues, especially since sometimes I felt fine.

So I suffered, doing my best to hide my depression and anxiety from everyone. Not wanting to appear weak or crazy, and not wanting to burden anyone else with my issues, I suppressed my feelings and sank deeper and deeper. Slowly, I went from having five good days and two bad days a week to six bad days and one good day every week. I desperately needed help, but I didn't know what to even ask for or how to tell anyone.

Now I know that I should never have hesitated to tell my friends and family how I was feeling. Depression is not an illness that is just "in my head" that is "within my control" or something that I could "handle." Depression is an illness of the brain. My brain was sick and needed treatment to heal.

No one would ever think less of a person with cancer for seeking treatment, help and support in their time of need. Why? Because cancer is an illness of the body. What I didn't understand at the time was that my brain was just as sick as someone's body could be. I needed treatment, help and support in order to allow my mind to heal. There is no shame in that. I am not a burden for asking my family and friends for help when I am having a bad day.

When I finally opened up, I talked to my mom and one of my running coaches. I told them honestly how I was feeling. They listened compassionately and helped me find counselors, go to doctor appointments and create a care plan to help my brain heal. They were always asking me how I was feeling and were willing to go out of their way to spend time with me when I was having a bad day, so that I didn't feel lonely.

I am so thankful that I finally opened up and asked for the help that I needed and deserved. I wish that I would have sooner. The road to healing my brain has been a slow process, but I can honestly say that in this point in my life, I have never been happier.

If you are suffering from depression, anxiety or any mental health issue, know that there are so many amazing people that will drop everything to help support you. There is no shame in having a mental illness. You deserve to get help. Talk to a family member, close friend, doctor, counselor or someone that you trust to help you get started on the road to recovery.

For more information to understand depression, get support or take action to tackle depression, please reference www.studentsagainstdepression.org.