First, let me start by saying that I love you so much. I know that those words aren't really enough, but it's still true, and you need to know that. You also need to know that I'm very aware that I can't make your depression go away. There isn't a magical cure. It kills me that I can't fix it all, but I know depression doesn't just disappear. But I still love you, and that's something depression can't take away. I won't let it take that away.

I know, to some degree, what it's like to be where you are. I know what it feels like to not want to get out of bed in the morning; I know what it feels like to cry alone at night because you feel lost and hopeless and, in that moment, it feels like happiness may never come around again. It didn't stay long in my life, but it stayed long enough. And what I remember the most is that depression robs you of the ability to see yourself the way others see you. Your self-image becomes distorted, and when it's distorted long enough, you really start to believe it's true. Some days, I know you can't see what's good in you, what's worthwhile in you. Sometimes, you can't see why you matter. And some days (maybe even most days), I know you don't love yourself.

So, I want to take a moment to remind you why I love you. You may not be able to see how great you are, but don't worry, that's what your friends are for! So let me give you a few reasons why I love you.

I love you because you make me laugh. When I'm with you, we have so much fun together. And yeah, I can have fun with other people, too, but it's always a little bit different, and I love having fun with you. You're an important part of the equation.

I love you because you always know when I need a hug. For real, though. I'm having the worst day, I just happen to run into you, and you walk up to me and give me a hug before we even greet each other. That contact gets me through my day, sometimes. Did you know that? No one else's hugs measure up.

I love you because you love to cuddle (and I love to be cuddled!). Cuddling is nice. Relaxing. There's nothing like having you snuggle up against me while we're watching TV, or you're doing homework. Again, it's like you can sense when I need that contact, and you're always there, ready and willing to give it.

I love you because you love people. I see that love, clear as day. You go out of your way to be kind. You take on other people's burdens, or inconvenience yourself, to make life easier for another person. I can relate to that. I understand that, and I admire that quality in you (although I still firmly believe that you need to start taking care of yourself as much as you take care of others!).

I love you for a lot of reasons. Because you're compassionate, and kind, and caring, and a great listener, and nonjudgmental, and passionate about everything you do, and you never compromise yourself for others... the list goes on. The qualities God gave you make you pretty amazing. And this is your friendly reminder that you're a beautiful human being who matters deeply. Because here's the truth: I can get hugs from anyone, and snuggle with anyone, and I do have fun with other people, and all of our friends love others, so none of that is really "special," per se. But you're special. Because anyone can give me a hug, but sometimes I need your hugs. And I can have fun with other people, but sometimes I just want to be with you.

I hope you understand, just a little bit, why you matter. I know I can't fix your depression, but I won't stand by and let you struggle by yourself, either. That I promise you. You don't always have to be the strong one, holding yourself together by a single thread. It's OK. It's OK that you aren't OK. I'm not leaving, and neither are your other friends. We won't ever see you as a burden, as a nuisance, as an annoyance: We love you too much. And while I love how you love others, you need to see that sometimes, you need to come first.

So please remember that the next time the depression hits you in waves, you're not alone. You are not fighting that monster by yourself, not ever. If the only thing we can do is tell you we love you and hug you until the tears run out, well, we'll be there for that, OK? Always. Depression doesn't get to win. Not with us in your corner.

We love you. I love you. Always.

To anyone who is struggling with depression, I hope you realize there are a lot of people in your life who love you enough to go through it all with you, standing by you along the way. You don't have to fight that battle by yourself. Reach out and ask for help, please. Depression only wins when you stay in the darkness.