10 Things That I Learned from Depression That I’d Rather Have Learned Another Way:

1. Depression is a life threatening illness. It is more than just feeling sad.
2. It is not something that you can just talk your way out of.
3. We should seek the help and advice of medical professionals at the first sign of depression.
4. Our brain is a ridiculously complicated and finely balanced organ.
5. Life is fragile.
6. Mental/Brain health issues are both real and serious. They can affect ANYONE. Depression does not discriminate.
7. We are a big bunch of chemicals. When those chemicals get messed up, we’re in big trouble.
8. Life is too short to spend it regretting what has happened and worrying about what might happen. When you have the choice (i.e., when you are not depressed), choose to live in the moment as much as you possibly can. Stop and smell the roses. Taste your food. Hear the music. Hold and cherish your loved ones. I’m too conservative to truly believe in living each day like it’s your last, but maybe live each day like tomorrow is your last.
9. Depression is so torturous that thoughts of suicide can start to seem like a legitimate way to obtain relief. For the first time, I understand how people can have thoughts of suicide.
10. Thoughts of suicide, if you survive them, can pass and there will be a time that you are glad you didn’t take active action.