I struggled silently with depression growing up, finding faith helped me a lot, not that I didn't still have waves of it from time to time. When I lost my sister, I dealt with it hard again. Moved to Atlanta, uprooted my life to all new experiences then. Since moving here, it has been an all around similar and challenging experience, the waves of depression have come back at full force, I have had some great encouragers around me, but as much as people are a huge source of happiness for me I know that I have to find it in myself and not expect to depend on others for that. Mental health is a tough one, it truly has a mind of its own, because of that I have decided to seek counseling, I say this to hopefully encourage others while I walk through this myself, sometimes you need help. If its pride, denial or guilt and shame, its always best to bring yourself to light and find healing. I'm definitely not a victim. I don’t want pity. I don’t use it as an excuse but it sometimes is a reason I avoid social events or whatnot…I just have this "annoying cough" that I can't shake and look forward to be able to breathe clear soon.