Depression is so painfully real and difficult to understand until you are in the depths of it's darkness.
We may feel helpless in the fight against this horrific epidemic that is taking beautiful lives.

What can we do?

I don't know the answers but I do know that each one of us can try to make a difference in our daily lives. Depression often wears an amazing mask and hides behind a convincing smile. The ones that seem okay on the outside may be the very ones that are struggling in their own internal hell.

Sometimes the little things we do can make all the difference!

• smile at a stranger
• put down the screen and have a real conversation with the ones you love
• look for warning signs and don't be afraid to speak up

And if you are currently experiencing depression, you are not alone! Reach out to friends, family, local mental health specialists and do not be ashamed. There is no shame in depression. You can't just snap out of it. Depression is very real and painful! Find hope in knowing that every single one of us will experience degrees of depression during our life. It can feel debilitating but the storm doesn't last. It may be hard to realize right now but the rainbow will show up.

To schedule an appointment with a mental health specialist at Comprehensive Behavioral Health call 540-688-2646 or visit our website www.getbacktoyou.com