Depression Poem by Ashley Andersonsmith

They say you can choose to be happy. That depression is all in your head, but those who truly believe that have never dealt with the pain of waking up everyday wondering if you will be strong enough to get through the day. They have never felt so much pain that it feels like your not even in your own body anymore. They have never been in a crowded room and felt so alone. Never felt like they were drowning on dry land. So tell me how can someone with depression just wake up and choose to be happy. Depression is a real illness and people make fun of it. They treat it like a joke. Would they make fun of someone who was blind or with down syndrome? Depression is just like any other illness. Its wanting to live your live but wondering what's the point? Its wanting to laugh but wanting to cry at the same time. Its like you cant breath no matter what. Depression isn't always scars on your body, or tears running down your face. It could be the girl who smiled and said have a nice day, or the man who paid for your coffee. It could be a little kid playing at the park, or a sweet old lady at the market. Depression doesn't pick an age group, race, or gender. Depression can happen to anyone. Depression is just as real as happiness, its not some made up excuse to be sad. Depression is having more sad days the happy. Its staring into space because it has taking over your body. Depression is a real illness.