I am a failure.

Nothing I do is right, or good.

I have no friends.

I am alone.

According to the World Health Organization, depression affects globally, 350 million people.

Most are women.

Fewer than half of those affected receive treatment due to any of a number of reasons.

According to the Center for Disease Control, in 2013 41,149 suicides were reported.

Suicide is the worst case scenario of depression.

Make no mistake….to feel “down” can be a normal response to loss, or if your self-esteem has been injured. But when your feelings of sadness last for days, or weeks and keep you from functioning normally, your sadness could be depression.

So, how do you work your way back from being depressed?

Talk to someone. A friend. Someone you feel safe talking to. Someone who will listen to you and not try to fix you.

Move. Exercise. Getting your body working produces endorphins and relieves muscle tension.

Do things that make you feel good. Get enough sunlight. Lack of light has been found to worsen depression.

Eat healthy foods. Limit carbs and sugars, boost your vitamin B and chromium.

Don’t be afraid to seek help. Depression can be treated, and to do so does not make you weak. It means that you are aware of the disease and want to feel better. Depression is a disease, and a huge liar. Don’t be fooled by it.

Finally, don’t give up. Don’t ever give up. You are an important part of so many lives. Your family, friends, spouse, significant others, children are counting on you.

Don’t give up.

And don’t believe any of the lies that depression tries to tell you.