You are worthless, alone and should give up. Sound familiar? They are ugly lies your depression is telling you. The mental voice that has been torturing you with worry and self-doubt can be silenced. Use the truths below to put your depression on mute.

1. You are alone and no one understands your struggle.

Truth: There are over 7 billion people in the world and over 350 million of them have depression. You can be sure that there is at least one person out there who loves you and understands your struggle. The Inspire Hope Blog Facebook community and the NAMI You Are Not Alone initiative are filled with these people. Mild, moderate, or severe depression is not something you should try to handle on your own. Start your search for support here: http://notalone.nami.org/ and https://www.facebook.com/InspireHopeBlog. Remember, when you do not seek a community of support your suffering lingers and multiplies.

2. You are worthless.

Truth: You were created with a voice and talents that no one else has. The power within you in immeasurable. Even when you feel weak, stand tall and let yourself be seen and heard. Your words and actions can be the key that unlocks someone else’s prison of suffering.

3. Things will never get better.

Truth: The only constant in life is change. Nothing ever stays exactly the same. When you are stuck in seemingly never ending darkness remember this truth. On really challenging days, remind yourself you will be ok. If it’s not today, eventually you will be ok. If you are alive anything is possible.

4. You don’t deserve to be happy.

Truth: No matter what you did in your past, what your present circumstance is, or what mistakes you will make in the future, YOU DESERVE TO BE HAPPY! Although you struggle inwardly, there is also tremendous joy, beauty, and love within you. They are located on the other side of your pain. Make it your mission to chizzle away at your pain and find it.

5. Giving up is your best option.

Truth: Giving up is tempting but in the long run it leads to despair, regret, and deepening depression. Because the temptation to give up is constant, your desire to live must be constant! Waiting with positive expectations requires a lot of effort and hope. When you are depressed, anxious or heartbroken most of your energy is drained but deep down you have energy anchored in hope.

I want to blow the lid off of depression. Would you help me spread the word? If you’ve ever struggled with depression or know others that have, please share this post on Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest. For more exclusive inspiration and purposeful action steps, join our Facebook page here and subscribe for our weekly tips!