Heidi was a young heron who used to love so many things, like singing, playing with her friends, and flying through the sky.

But lately, it felt like a gray cloud was following her everywhere she went. It made her wings feel heavy, and her voice seem quiet. Heidi felt sad most of the time, and she didn't know why. 

One day, Heidi's mom noticed something was wrong. Heidi no longer played with her friends or sang her songs. When she would fly, she only went alone. 

"I just feel sad all the time", Heidi mumbled in tears. "I don't know what's wrong with me!" 

Heidi's mom wrapped her in her wings. "Oh, Heidi, there's nothing wrong with you. I know exactly how you feel." 

"You do?" Heidi exclaimed. 

 "Sometimes I have a cloud that follows me too", her mom reassured her. "It's called depression. When I was your age, I felt just like how you do now - sad, tired, like your wings are too heavy to carry you."

"But you always look so strong and happy, Mom. And you fly so well", Heidi responded.

"I had to learn how", replied her mom. "Depression isn't something we choose, but it is something we learn to handle with time and resources."

The pair went walking down the beach, as Heidi's mom explained several tools to help her navigate her heavy emotions. 

"It's not our fault we feel this way", Heidi's mom explained. "But, we still have to make sure we're taking care of ourselves, which can be hard." 

Heidi's mom gave her a few tips that had helped her:

"Take deep breaths when you feel overwhelmed, and stretch your wings even when it feels impossible to leave the nest." 

"Talk to me or your friends about how you're feeling. We all love you and are here to support you - you are never alone."