What I Would Say

My sweet friend,

I know that it’s hard. I know that life feels as if it’s one obstacle right after another and there is no end in sight. You feel as if the world has already pushed you to ground and only continues to kick you while you’re down. I know that all you want to do is lie there because the energy to get up seems to be too much to exert.

I know that you feel cut off from everyone around you. You feel that they don’t understand the way that you feel and choose to judge you for it. You believe that your friends don’t really care about what you’re dealing with and that even if they did, you wouldn’t want to burden them with “just feeling sad.” I know that it seems as if you’re completely alone and that you have begun to believe that it’s honestly better that way because then you don’t have to explain yourself to anyone else.

I know that simple tasks have become the hardest thing you’ve ever had to do. I know that taking a shower seems like a lot of work when you just want to stay in bed all day. Doing dishes and laundry seems pointless when it’s only going to build up all over again. I know that everything in life right now seems like a waste of time because you “know” you aren’t smart enough, pretty enough, the best, or whatever else it may be.

I know that you feel ridiculous. I know that you beat yourself up because you don’t have any reason to feel sad or upset. You look at your life and know you have nothing to complain about for the most part. I know that you feel guilty for not just “getting over it” and moving on with life. I know that you’ve grown in self-hatred for the way that you are and you can’t understand why you can’t just get better. You’ve done all that you can possibly think of to fix yourself and yet you still continue to struggle.

I know you’re hurting. I know that you feel like you want to die every moment of the day because it’s just so freakin’ painful to take another breath. Life doesn’t even feel worth living if all you’re going to do is feel this miserable. I know that all the ways out look promising and enticing.

But, I also know this: these. are. lies.

I know that you are strong and capable of facing all of the difficult things that come your way. I know that you’re friends love you deeply. They love your laugh and the way you are always there for them when they need you. I know that you are kind and compassionate with everyone you meet. I know that life is always worth living because even though it’s hard, it is beautiful and full of wonderful things. I know that you can conquer this mountain because I’ve watched conquer so many others. I know that this is NOT the end of your story and it’s not who you are. I know that you are a warrior in this battle of depression and you can win.

More than any of these things though, I know that you are loved by your Creator. You were designed specifically for a purpose (Psalm 139:13&14). I know that He cares deeply for you and desires to carry your burdens (1 Peter 5:7). I know that He is the light that defeats every shade of darkness (John 1:5). I know that He is the One that is able to give strength when it feels that you have nothing left (Isaiah 40:31). I know that He sent His Son to die on the cross for you so that in moments like these you can look to Him and have someone who completely understands what you’re going through (Hebrews 4:15&16) . I know that the Almighty God saw you and said, “She is worth dying for. She is worth my entire life because I love her that much.”

I know because I’ve been there. I know because these are the exact same thoughts I have had and I’ve had to run for dear life to the Lord in order to stay alive. I know that it’s hard and I am so sorry that you are struggling with the very same thing. I am so sorry that this is also a burden that you must bear. But, I know that there is hope. I know that there is love and light in our wonderful Savior. My greatest desire and hope for you is that you would experience and know the same truths.

I love you so much and no matter, what I am here to listen. Even when you have nothing to say.

Love,

A fellow warrior