I know you lay in bed awake at night because the darkness has consumed your soul.
Depression fills every part of you.
You drink because you think it will ease the pain.
You don't let anyone in because you think we'll walk away from you.
You laugh because you don't want anyone to see how hurt you are.
But I'm here to tell you that it's okay to feel this way.

Next time you wake up, I want to you to see the sun.
I want you to see how big and beautiful it is.
Even if that means putting on sunglasses.
When you're talking to someone close,
I want you to let them in because they might know how you feel.

Stepping up on stage, I want you to look at the person next to you and
be grateful you're both performing together.
Depression is not a phase and you and I both know that.
Depression can actually be a beautiful thing because
it shows you can feel things that other don't.

When you walk into work, I want you to find one positive thing about it.
Sometimes that may be hard but just try.
You might be surprised at the outcome.

Step by step I want you to see how beautiful this life is to be.

I want you to see the sunrise and the sunset.
I want you to smell the fresh air when it rains.
I want you to hear the joy of children laughing while they're playing outside.
I want you to taste life as it truly is.

And lastly, I want you to feel hope you can't feel anything else.
You're loved by the people around you, even if you can't see it.

Tonight, when you climb into your bed, instead of darkness consuming you,
maybe the light will instead.

Only think of positive and hopeful thoughts.
When you're hurting, reach out to someone.
When you're drinking, drink because you want to.
And next time you laugh,
I hope it's a laughter of happiness, then a laughter of sadness.