Anyone that can talk about their own struggles are NOT weak. Opening yourself up to others takes an incredible amount of courage.
I lost my mother a couple of years ago, it's safe to say she was the centre of my universe and right up until cancer finally took her I was in complete denial. Even after she passed I flat out refused it. Thinking myself strong by appearing normal I was taking my emotions (which were wild and unpredictable) out on those closest to me. I have since apologised and worked my way back into their understanding good graces.
I bought a little book, and started writing down the thoughts that were trying to (what felt like) kill me. Every day adding something just to get it out of my head and look at it.
One thing I wrote down (I can't remember exactly without it being on me) Is how proud people are slaves. Puppets that are forced to conceal their true feelings out of absolute fear that the world or even a single person might see weakness. Some of the greatest atrocities on earth have been committed as acts of pride. The bottling up of all these emotions, placing them on some unseen shelf for you to eventually deal with alone (but of course you never do) all in the name of superficial strength eventually leads to your own self destruction. Had I had the true strength of character to seek help sooner maybe I wouldn't have hurt so many others, their only crime trying to help me.
I then sought out help and simply letting open the flood gates and offloading the contents of my head to someone who understood, or even just listened was like someone opening a pressure valve on me and I could breathe again.
As ScarletBea said, depression is different for everyone. And I have the highest respect for anyone strong enough to voice their struggle, for in doing so you expose yourself in the most intimate manner to the outside world. That takes true courage.
Every one needs a hug every now and again
