For the one in a depressive episode,

Depression is strong, but not stronger than you. There is nothing wrong with you. You are not lazy or crazy. If you feel a lack of motivation for everything, it will pass. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to be productive all the time. Most of the time, what our minds tell us is productive is just a standard society creates. Most of the time, we don’t create the pressure we put on ourselves, society does. Your soul is separate from the world. Remember that. You don’t have to be on-the-go all the time. You don’t have to constantly move on human schedules. You don’t have to live your life day by day if that feels too overwhelming. I always say, go breath by breath. You might cry but not know why. Let it pour. You might not want to get out of bed – please stay if that’s what makes you feel most okay. You’ll know when you’re ready to get up. No one else will, but you will. You’re not being lazy – you’re taking care of your brain. If you can’t turn an assignment in, don’t turn it it. If you had an intense flu you’d take sick days. Take a sick day if you need one. Your brain is recovering. Don’t feel like you need to explain to other people how you’re feeling. If you need to talk, talk. Don’t let this contain you. You’ll feel really fragile, but you’re not. Depression is an illness, but you’re not dying. This isn’t the end of the world. The universe isn’t against you, don’t be against yourself. Please, if you feel like you are dying – tell someone. If you feel no hope – tell someone. You are worth whatever help you need and you are never a burden. Hope is translucent to a heart that has been breathing pain, but hope is with you. It’s in front of you and it’s not as far as it seems. Breath by breath. That is how you’ll get through. You will get through. You always do.