We See You: A Reflection for Depression Awareness Month

In the DSM-5-TR, there are roughly 40–50 diagnoses that can co-occur with depression. That number doesn’t even include the many disorders described as “with depressive affect.” Depression touches nearly every corner of human experience — from those who battle it daily to those navigating life transitions that leave them wondering who they were and how they once functioned “normally.”

The month of October is held in observation of those who struggle with these changing, silent battles — the ones fought in solitude, often accompanied by the quiet question of “why?” every morning.

When writing, one should have a reason and an audience in mind. My reason is not only to build awareness, but to call others to action through a simple sentiment:

“We see you.”

And my audience? Everyone touched by depression.

Statistically speaking, that’s almost everyone reading this.

To the One Currently in the Battle

We see you — and there is help.

Finding help can feel uncertain and exhausting. The first step often creaks, and the staircase ahead looks impossibly steep. But just because that first step is hard doesn’t mean the journey isn’t worth it — nor that every step will be the same.

Maybe your first step today is simply getting out of bed, changing clothes, or sitting quietly with memories of someone you’ve lost. Take pride in those steps. These are battles of the most epic proportion, often witnessed only by you.

Tell your story — for those who haven’t yet begun theirs.

To the One Who Has Learned and Grown

You’ve learned what works for you and what doesn’t. Your resilience is astounding — a reminder of how strong the human spirit can be.

We are social creatures, and storytelling remains one of our most powerful ways to connect and heal. Whether through words, art, or shared experience, your story has power. It helps others see that healing is possible — and that they’re not alone.

To the Statistical Anomaly

If you believe you’ve never known someone with depression, I call you to awareness most of all. There is a world of human experience you may not have seen.

You might be someone who says, “It is what it is,” or “I don’t do emotions.”I urge you to consider this: what heals you may not heal the world.

A Final Thought

People are not problems to fix — they are stories to experience.

This October, take time to see those around you for the stories they carry.

Stories of those taking their first steps.

Stories of those still climbing.

Stories of those asking why the staircase exists at all.

We see you.