Depression does not always mean
Beautiful girls shattering at the wrists
A glorified, heroic battle for your sanity
Or mothers that never got the chance to say good-byeSometimes depression means
Not getting out of bed for three days
Because your feet refuse to believe
That they will not shatter upon impact with the floorSometimes depression means
That summoning the willpower
To go downstairs and do the laundry
Is the most impressive thing you accomplish that weekSometimes depression means
Lying on the floor staring at the ceiling for hours
Because you cannot convince your body
That it is capable of movementSometimes depression means
Not being able to write for weeks
Because the only words you have to offer the world
Are trapped and drowning and I swear to God I’m tryingSometimes depression means
That every single bone in your body aches
But you have to keep going through the motions
Because you are not allowed to call in to work depressedSometimes depression means
Ignoring every phone call for an entire month
Because yes, they have the right number
But you’re not the person they’re looking for, not anymore
by “Alexandra” Tilton, NH (Teen Ink: November 2013 Issue)