Depression is a sign of strength NOT a sign of Weakness

For a long time some people have viewed depression as a sign of weakness or a flaw in someone's character but that has got to stop.

If you walked a day in a sufferers shoes you'd want to cuddle them so tightly that you'd almost make their eye balls pop out of their head because you would discover the strength it takes to put one foot in front of the other in those shoes.

You've probably heard the stories about the incredibly difficult emotional and physical challenge that depression sufferers face, and most likely you've alikened their sadness to one of your really bad days, or the grief of someone passing away or the sadness you feel when things go wrong, but nothing can ever prepare you for the hollowness that comes with depression.

The sufferer must dig really deep to find any reserves of strength, and often relies on those around them to draw energy from to continue on.

Isn't it crazy to think that one in five people suffer but when you look around you I bet you'd struggle to pick their silent battle because they're trying to soldier on and put a brave face on to protect those around them?

Doesn't that take strength? So many people find it easy to whinge on social media about how crappy their cold is making them feel or how horrible their day was but you rarely see a depression sufferer voice their hurt because they try with all of their strength to suppress their pain.

And did you know that often the most  susceptible are generally the most happiest and outgoing people that you'll meet. In their everyday healthy lives they are full of strength and others lean on them for advice and help.

When they fall ill it doesn't take away this strength, instead it reinforces it and shows that despite how horrible they are feeling they can still manage a smile. That is also why this illness is so deadly because the sufferers try to be too strong and they fool people into thinking they're okay when they need help.

Depression sufferers usually go above and beyond for others, even if it's just lending them their smile and that's why it's important that when they fall ill that we protect them because their strength helps others.

Depression is not a weakness it's a sign of strength.

It is by far the toughest battle that I have ever faced and I even needed to enlist my soldiers but it has made me even stronger then ever before.

It has taught me my inner strength and it has made me appreciate and respect the strength of everyone out there suffering.

So please, if you're reading this and your spirit has been weakened by the perceived negativity of opinions around your illness, I beg you to see your  strength in facing a new day, and managing to pull yourself out of bed, and to get dressed, and even if that is only as far as you got today, it will get easier.

One day, you'll feel yourself again and when that day comes you'll be able to see your strength.

If you're a none believer then look up depression and then try and imagine yourself living a day feeling those symptoms of worthlessness, hopelessness and emptiness with to answer in sight and only darkness and then try and tell me that they are weak human beings.

And lastly to the supporters of sufferers; your strength is undeniable - hang in there because they need you now more then ever before.

Look after yourself and those around you,

Kirsty xxx