He Ain't Heavy...He's My Brother.

Nicholas L. Laning

 One of the most constant lies that I have seen that people who are depressed feel is that they need to retract from everyone.  DON'T SEEK HELP!  YOU WILL JUST BURDEN EVERYONE!  It rings through the mind again and again, and thus the fight continues on its most dangerous form, fought alone, with a twisted mind the target and the weapon.

I had a dear friend once tell me that they thought it would be easier to simply kill their self, so that they would no longer be a burden on anyone.  I told them that if they killed themselves then they would not only not lighten anyone's load, but that they would burden everyone they loved for the rest of their lives.  The truth was the complete opposite. 

The pain of a loved one is not a burden.  In fact, it is our privilege as siblings, friends, parents, grandparents, whatever, to help you carry your pain.  Do not rob the ones you love of that privilege.  Let them help you.  Let them be a part.  No, they won't always know what to say, but neither do you.  Tell the people you love that you are struggling.  Don't fight it in the shadows.
                                                                    Don't  fight it alone.

You ain't heavy... you're someone's________... brother, friend, spouse, father, daughter, grandmother, nephew... and they want you well.  They love you, and more than that, our Father in heaven loves you.  You certainly aren't heavy to Him.  So, keep breathing, fight on, and have hope.  I am proud of you for coming as far as you have.  Your struggle is not in vain.  You are not alone.  Hope is real.