I had someone say in my direction that depression isn't defined by people with hard lives, but that it is only a disease defined by people with good lives, who are just sad; for no reason. Also, that after depressed once, depression never goes away, but always remains with you. Repeated day after day, or month after month. By the pathetic and unrealistic sound of that, I'd say he was speaking out of his ass. What prick would have the audacity to look at me, of all people, some worse off, and say those words? To clarify, to the most massive extent that I can cover with this quite debatable topic, I must say how awfully and intensely wrong this man is. Not because I have the right to judge people based on their opinions, because I don't, but because of the insult that has been taken by his very vocal cords moving to create such a close minded accusation.

To edify my point of this use of my time, I must state that feelings to me are that of personal matters. Though most times I hate keeping my problems to myself, in most cases solving your own problems, is your duty as an independent. I live by wishing to write my own life, and by doing so, I must live and experience each part of it to the full extent. Help isn't cheap, nor is it generally necessary. However, I have been faced with explosions of painful scenarios. Life, even for myself, as a young human, has been the most challenging. I have lost myself amongst the people who have appeared good for me and the lies of the many deceitful people around me. Of course I may babble about heartbreak, falsified hope, and loss, but overall, most of my life has yet to be lived. You never know what the next day will bring. Tragedy does not last forever. At some point, pain will end. At least on this earth.

Going on from that, I must inform you of just how inaccurate this person appears to be, according to my experience verses his. "Depression: feelings of severe despondency and dejection" Is the literal definition of depression. But, for deeper emphasis on the meaning I will begin to describe depression from what I have experienced, just as this, "depressed, with straight As, skilled and high profile sportsman," did. Currently, I would not call myself depressed. Of all things sad, I may attempt to refer to myself as a massive wreck, not socially, but mentally. I have been depressed once and only once. Never again to be, well assured.

He stated that depression is that of a leech. He ensured that once depression is received (from nothing, obviously) it never goes away. However, I am living proof that depression does go away. With the right people, right amount of time, and right conversations. Who is this man to say that there is no hope and no outcome for people struggling? The answer is simple, he is no one. He has no authority in any sense of the word to walk onto a stage and state that what? That depression appearing in hurting people who are in tragic situations, is not real, and that which perfect people experiencing sadness are is depressed, also, that for either or, it will never go away.

The question is, what do I call depression? What did I experience that has made me so insistent about denying the content of his opinion?

There was a girl. Blinded by what appeared to be love from friends and giggles thought to be happiness. She didn't appreciate the time spent with her twisted family. Though life at home was rough, sleeping on a mattress that was old and on the floor, hardly provided with the proper essentials to live a well life, she made it through just okay. Her oldest brother, the one that always protected her and gave her advice, was gone for the military. She felt alone, but the brothers she had left were more than enough, they were entertainment and distraction, while her best friends were reassurance that life would get better, that she would make it through. But, along came the shocking betrayal of her best friends, soon after, the bullying. This girl was naïve, never experienced anything quite like that disappointment and heart tugging reality before that moment. It took a toll on her mind. Made her feel weak. She watched as girls her age bragged about self harm for attention and she often debated suicide, she began to want an end, and she didn't see any other way than nonexistence. The pain was so deep that one point she almost faded away into oblivion. Bleeding from the wrist, mother in the next room. She was so low and depressed that her life almost ended that night.

 That girl was me. I sat on the floor, looking at the mess and feeling the pain I had caused myself, to myself. Nothing, not the betrayal from "friends," nor the pain from loss, nor home life disaster compared even slightly to the disappointment I felt in myself. I looked in the mirror, threw the blade, and told myself that never again would I let someone else tear me down again. My life, my choice. I felt anger and disgust. Since that day, I have built myself up. Through making bonds with my brothers, repairing my confidence, and growing to know a even wiser and better friend than the person looking back at me in the mirror. Even though that friend left, even though my brothers have been ripped away. Through all of that sadness. More pain than you can even begin to imagine. Not once have I fallen down since that night that I have not rose off of the ground stronger than I was when I first had fallen. That is a story that should be told to people. Not some bullshit leap for attention by a prick telling all the people who have experienced worse than I and myself included that depression will come back, and that none of it is real. That depression is only that which good people, with good lives have when they are sad. I don't agree with a single words stated from his misinformed being. I relate to people going through hard situations, and that very well may be the reason I am so intent on exposing his lie. Suicide isn't the answer. That isn't coming from a teacher, or a parent, or a critic. That is coming from someone who has been there, who has felt pain. This man's point of view is insulting. If there is ever a time when you feel low because of anything or anyone, just remember, no one can make you feel like shit but you and no douchebag with a microphone can determine your state of mind.