A Letter to Anyone Going Through Depression

Dear You,

Let me guess, you’re reading this while wrapped in a blanket burrito, your phone precariously balanced on your chest, and a half eaten snack sitting somewhere within arm’s reach.

Maybe you haven’t showered in days, and the idea of brushing your teeth feels like preparing for a triathlon. Sound familiar? If it does, welcome to the club no one asked to join: life with depression.


Depression Is a Liar

Depression is insidious. It creeps in uninvited, parks itself in your life, and stubbornly refuses to leave. Worse, it whispers lies in your ear:

  • “This is your fault.”
  • “You’re weak.”
  • “You’ll never feel okay again.”

Let me tell you something important, depression is a liar. It’s not your fault. You didn’t choose this. It’s not a punishment for being “ungrateful” or “not good enough.” Depression is a storm you didn’t ask for, and you’re doing your best to weather it.


My Experience with Depression

I’ve been there. I was diagnosed with depression, and let me tell you, it wasn’t an easy pill to swallow—both literally and figuratively. But here’s what I’ve learned:

  • It’s okay to feel depressed. You’re not failing by having bad days.
  • It’s okay to take medication. Medication isn’t a weakness; it’s a tool.
    • Just like you’d take antibiotics for an infection, you can take antidepressants for depression.
    • It’s part of taking care of yourself, not a sign that you’re failing.

The Recovery Letters

One of the things that helped me through my darkest days was a book called The Recovery Letters. It’s a collection of letters from people who’ve lived through depression, writing to those who are still in it.

Here are a few takeaways that stuck with me:

  • You are not alone. Other people have felt what you’re feeling, and they’ve made it through.
  • Small steps are victories. Drinking water, getting out of bed, or brushing your teeth, these are all wins, and they matter.
  • It won’t always feel this way. The darkness lies to you, but with time and support, it will start to lift.

What Healing Really Looks Like

Let’s get one thing straight: healing isn’t Instagram worthy. It’s not about yoga retreats or inspirational quotes.

Real healing is messy:

  • Crying on the bathroom floor at 3 a.m.
  • Dragging yourself to bed even when it feels pointless.
  • Canceling plans because you just can’t today.

And you know what? That’s okay. Healing is a process, not a race. Take it one minute at a time:

  • Can’t get out of bed? Try sitting up.
  • Can’t respond to a text? Just read it for now.
  • Can’t face the world? That’s okay. Breathe.

Every little step matters, even if it feels insignificant.


Asking for Help

Let’s address the scary part: asking for help.

Here’s the truth:

  • Admitting you’re struggling doesn’t make you weak; it makes you human.
  • Asking for help is brave, whether it’s talking to a friend, calling a hotline, or seeing a therapist.

If you’re not ready for that yet, that’s okay too. Just know that help is out there, waiting for you when you’re ready.


Will It Ever Get Better?

The honest answer is: yes, but not overnight. Depression doesn’t vanish magically, but over time, with support and effort, it becomes more manageable.

Here’s what better looks like:

  • The dark days become less frequent.
  • The heavy moments feel a little lighter.
  • Small joys, like a good song, a funny meme, or the morning sunlight, start to feel meaningful again.

Remember This

You are not your depression. You are not the dark thoughts or the bad days. You are so much more than that.

You are:

  • A complex, beautiful, messy human being.
  • Someone who has survived 100% of their bad days so far (pretty impressive, right?).

Wrap yourself in this virtual hug, and know that when you’re ready, the next step is waiting for you—whatever that looks like.

I’ll be here, cheering you on from afar.

Love,
Someone who’s been there and believes in you

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