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That is what being depressed but happy feels like, whatever void Instagram is. It is pretty and filtered and not the truth.

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Depression is a very real condition and it’s not a disorder many would consider worth loving. How can you love something when you cannot experience joy? Positive thinking changes your brain. The more positive thoughts you have, the better, and the more you see your problem with depression as an opportunity for growth.

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The most common reaction I have received when I have told someone I have depression is for him or her to tell me that I should try and be happier, to try and look on the bright side of things.

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Like an addict, I suffer from an illness and consider myself always in recovery.
Here are three steps that I’ve taken over the years to manage recurring clinical depression.

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In a brief moment of clarity, I saw that my love for Max had developed into unprecedented dependence, which was not requited. I could not be without him, but he could be without me if he needed to.

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4. “Someone has it worse than you.”