The Uninvited Guest: Depression

I remember the day it hit--not with a crash, but with a slow, silent fade. Depression comes with many disguises; for me, it feels like a bunch of rocks have been dumped on me, and pulling myself out seems impossible. It's the uninvited, exhausting guest that steals your joy, your motivation, and sometimes, your ability to simply get out of bed.

For a long time, I believed I had to conquer the entire battle in a single day. I was often hard on myself for not being "over it." Let me tell you the most important thing I've learned: Fighting depression is won in tiny, almost invisible battles.

Learn to celebrate the small things, like taking a shower, going for a long walk, or even just getting out of bed. It might not seem like much, but it's a start to getting better.

If you're in this fight right now, please know you're not alone. We are not perfect. Just be here. Take that deep breath. And know that even the smallest step forward is a victory worth celebrating.