It’s not about being an emo or a goth. Depression has many faces, jester, co-worker who is always smiling, a friend who always seems to have everything figured out, or a family member who appears to sail through life effortlessly. I don’t think an image of a typical depressed person exists.

I think dealing with a mental illness is something worthy of being a superhero.

Lastly, I want to encourage others to share their stories. Share your story through whichever creative outlet you are most comfortable with. Don’t underestimate your story’s motivational capacity! To you, your story may feel like a compilation of failures, disappointments, and hardships, but to others it may be a source of inspiration, perseverance, bravery, and strength.