Depression

Dear friend,

I'm so sorry that you're feeling a tiny bit sad at the moment. Being sad sucks. Like, a lot. I know where you're coming from. But there's something really important that you need to know: you're not always sad. You aren't plagued with the permanent feelings associated with depression. To go out and announce to the world and say that you feel really sad astounds me because I know you. I know who you are. I know you well enough to say that you don't have depression because depression is a lot worse. People are going to tell you that they'll always be there for you, and that they can offer help. Those people are foolish in the sense that they don't know what depression is. You're a tiny bit sad while there are so many other people that are just constantly sad. People with depression, they wear a mask. They put on a happy face to show off to the world, while deep down, behind that mask, lies true and utter melancholy. That's not you. You may be going through something difficult at the moment but that in no way means that you have depression. At all. It just means that you're feeling a bit sad. To announce that you have depression, it bewilders me. I know what you're like in reality. I know that you really are always laughing with your comrades, or you're living it up on the weekends. You aren't depressed. I cannot stress it enough. And I know that you aren't depressed because I know what depression is like. I have it. I have depression. And it sucks so much. I'm one of those people that puts on a mask to make others laugh while deep down, there are problems. Heartache, sadness, heartbreak, grief. That's me. Not you. I absolutely hate seeing people like you just go out and say that you have depression when I know you don't. I know you don't because I do, and I know exactly what it feels like. The common sorrows and misery I deal with are real. They've been me. And I can tell you that you are not your so-called "problems". You have such character and light, you're fine. You might be sad for about a day or two, but try two years. Try two years of those thoughts. In one and out the other. That's what real depression is. That's been my pain. And if you don't accept that, then that's your loss. Just know: you don't have depression. You don't know what depression is like. You're feeling sad. Everyone feels sad. Not everyone has depression. 

Sincerely yours,

Depressed and Confused