The silent battle: living with depression

By Fredel Romano

Writing about depression is a constant challenge for me. This is possibly the fifth time I have tried to sit down and write about my depression. 

Inside me there is an urge to express these emotions, but the energy and the will are not always with me; many times, I can't even begin to open the computer, but if you are reading this article it is because, finally, I did it.

Those of us who suffer from depression know that, although it does not always accompany us, it is a constant struggle, like a shadow that always seems to return. When it is not present, our life goes by without that extra weight, with its usual ups and downs, with its normal happiness and sadness. 

In my case, when depression is absent, I manage to enjoy life, myself and my loved ones to the fullest; I manage to create and undertake wonderful projects and I can give the best of myself to those around me; I feel fulfilled and I am highly hardworking, creative, brave, determined and innovative, so much so, that it is difficult to believe that I am the same person.  

I mention this reality at the outset because I believe it is crucial to raise awareness that depression is not a personality trait of those who suffer from it, it is a disease and we are all much more than the ailments we go through.