a breakup
a job loss
rejection
the death of someone close to us
setbacks that make us question our path
being ostracized from people we thought were our friends/family
struggling to accept not being straight
being violated and no one wants to listen or believe you/sides with the abuser

all these unwelcome guests can open the door to depression.
one moment…

i was shocked and saddened when i read that mandisa from american idol died today.
i remembered her rooting for her to win.
she had such a warm spirit and was kind even though simon joked about her weight.
even though we don’t know what her cause of death is,
they are saying that she suffered from depression and spoke about her suicidal thoughts.
this is her,
without all the glam and turned “off”:

you can see the sadness within her eyes.
i’m starting to believe that…