There are many articles sharing thoughts and excitement for the 2016 United States Presidential Election. Abraham Lincoln is considered one of the most historic leaders. His life was filled with many obstacles including what many would consider clinical depression.

A few problems that Lincoln faced include being forced out of his home, his mother dying, failing in business, facing malaria, smallpox and losing eight different elections. This would have taken most of us out of the game of life. Abraham Lincoln stood tall and kept rising after each situation.

Why must those with depression have the faith to keep going? When you have been knocked down so much, why try to get up again? Would it be easier to quit and stop even working towards your goals? The answer is easy to say but harder to accomplish.

We have within our hearts a potential that is not always understood. When there is a tragic situation we figure out how to come together and help others. This ability is within our minds and is able to be accessed when we are ready.

Those who live with clinical depression know that it is harder than anything you may experience. The great book The Road Less Traveled by Dr. M. Scott Peck opens with a clear piece of knowledge. It says “Life is difficult. This is a great truth, one of the greatest truths. It is a great truth because once we truly see this truth, we transcend it. Once we truly know that life is difficult – once we truly understand and accept it – then life is no longer difficult. Because once it is accepted, the fact that life is difficult no longer matters.”

We are all experiencing lessons that work to teach us. Please know you are strong and capable. Even if you feel down, it is possible to come back stronger than before. You may one day look back and feel great appreciation for the journey you survived.