Friends

We are sailing on the same boat. High 5

Hi, I can relate to you a lot. I’ve had depression as early as I can remember which is around 5 or 6. I was always feeling sad and I didn’t know why and I never told anyone because I thought that’s just how everybody felt. The more people my age I talked to, the more I realized they were sad too and that only made me think more strongly that everybody was just sad all the time and it was normal to feel this way. Eventually when I got older and I realized that not everyone was sad, I started to ask questions and figured out what depression meant and I slowly figured out that that’s what I most likely have. Growing up, depression was my worst enemy but now that I’m older, depression is my bestfriend and I have learned to love it and accept it because it’s who I am. sure some days are really hard compared to others but I have my own coping strategies for those days. One of the biggest things I can say that can help, is talk to someone you trust about your depression and try all kinds of SAFE, POSITIVE coping strategies :) I eventually told my mom and as I grew older, I figured out that she has depression, my brother, my aunt and literally EVERY one from her side of the family has it so that’s where I got it from. Talking about it can take the strength away from depression. Also always do things that make you happy or you want to do, whether you feel terrible or not, don’t let depression control you :) You’ve got this! :)

So much to deal with - huge hug to you🥰