Fairly often I’ll have people say I’m “faking” my depression; that I’m seeking attention, etc.

What I’m trying to do is spread awareness about mental illness. To let others know they’re not alone. To be a friend. A confidant. A listening ear.

With mental illness, because people cannot physically see it, they have a difficult time understanding it.

A line from one of my writings years ago: “I may be smiling, but inside I’m dying & crying out for help”.

Even though I smile & post selfies, etc., the depression is still always there. Always haunting, always hurting.

Depression is very, very real.

Please be kind. You never know what someone is going through.

 

As always, I love you all.

xo,

Mariah