Depression is not a moral failing, a character flaw or weakness, or any other such thing. It is an illness. And like any other illness, it can take its toll. Depressive illnesses are biological, illnesses related to imbalanced or disrupted brain chemistry. The brain is an organ of the body and can get "sick" just like the heart, liver or kidneys. People with depression and other depressive illnesses have a disease that requires diagnosis and treatment from a doctor.People with depressive illnesses cannot talk themselves into feeling good or out of feeling bad. They cannot snap themselves out of it. Many times, society assumes people suffering from depression are just lazy or lack motivation to get their lives together. People with depression are often labeled as having a behavior or attitude problem. This is simply not true. Life is not always easy, and sometimes it's difficult to smile when the dark clouds move in to block the sun. But you must have faith that things will get better. Reach inside and draw on your strength and hope. It's still there, waiting to see you through this difficult time. The night may seem long, but think of all the possibilities that the dawn might hold. And in the end, you'll be a stronger person from this, and you'll be so proud that you made it.

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