For someone living with major depressive disorder (MDD), it’s normal to feel alone, isolated, and just, well, deserted by others. On top of this, recent research has shown that loneliness is tied to genetics and the environment — a finding that can be depressing in and of itself.

But you’re not alone: Close to 15 million Americans are living with MDD. That’s about the same number of people estimated to live in New York City, Los Angeles, and Chicago combined!

To every downside, there’s an upside. And that’s why we’re here. We reached out to our Living with Depression Facebook community so you could hear it from them. Click the images to read more about MDD coping mechanisms, self-care tips, and more.