She smiles a big bright smile for the entire world to see—

Contagious with her small teeth, goofy laugh and bright eyes.

On the outside her life looks so put together,

Living the dreams that she has spoken of for years,

Manifested the “perfect” life for her soul.

But when she’s alone, she cries—

She cries for the strength to keep going.

She cries for the aching muscles and bones that never get a rest,

She cries for the money she isn’t making, regardless of the endless hours she puts in.

She cries for the emptiness in her heart,

She cries for the emptiness in her womb.

She smiles for the love her tribe gives her,

She smiles for the beautiful sunrises,

She smiles when Momma Moon’s rays beam into her bedroom, as she lays bathing in the moonlight.

She smiles for manifesting these beautiful dreams into reality,

She smiles because at the end of the day, she knows it will all be better.

She is your neighbor, your sister, your mother, your wife…

She strives to be perfect.

She makes sure everyone else is taken care of, before she takes care of herself.

She puts her needs to the side to make sure yours are met.

She hides behind that big bright smile,

But she is dealing, every day, with depression.

High-functioning depression—the debilitating mood disorder of depression that is suppressed just enough for one to carry out their daily responsibilities and duties.

~

Some signs to look for:

1. Irritability is enhanced
2. Being tough on oneself
3. Work becomes a torturous grind
4. Substance abuse
5. Feeling as though they are wasting time
6. Anxiety
7. Letting go of things they once cared about (appearance, clean house, hobbies)

If you, or someone you know, feel like you are sinking into depression, please reach out for help. There is always someone, somewhere who would love to help you.

You matter. You are enough.

~~

Author: Hannah Hutcheson
Photo: Unsplash
Editor: Yoli Ramazzina