When you are depressed, you don't want to get out of bed.

You don't want to be bothered with anyone,

but overcoming depression is going to require

that you get up and engage with life again.

When you are feeling down,

the worst thing you can do is isolate yourself

because isolation actually intensifies sadness.

So I recommend finding a distraction

that will shift your energy.

Beginning in my early 20s,

I began to notice some of the symptoms of mild depression.

For years, I struggled with worry, anxiety,

and feelings of hopelessness.

Whenever I experienced a minor set that I would be hard on myself

and I would become extremely discouraged.

For some reason, it was hard for me to believe

that I could get through difficult situations.

I know from personal experience that depression has a way

of transforming a typically happy and outgoing person

into someone who is sad, withdrawn,

and frustrated with life.

But my background and my expertise didn't stop me

...