In the Harry Potter universe, Dementors feed upon human happiness. With a kiss, they can consume their victim's soul, leaving him or her in a permanently vegetative state.

Author J.K. Rowling describes Dementors as "among the foulest creatures that walk this earth" and that they "drain peace, hope, and happiness out of the air around them."

"Even Muggles feel their presence, though they can’t see them. Get too near a Dementor and every good feeling, every happy memory will be sucked out of you."

This creature was inspired by Rowling's own battle with depression when she was in her 20s. Rowling publicly admitted to feeling suicidal during this time in her life.

She told the Sunday Times of London, "I went through a really rough time, and I am quite proud that I got out of that."

So how did Rowling defeat the Dementors in her life and keep them from stealing her soul?

She sought help — scheduling an appointment with her general practitioner. And now she is helping others who are battling mental illness by encouraging them to seek help just as she did.

On Sunday night, an 18-year-old fan from Brazil tweeted to Rowling, using the Twitter handle @mtrssmustdie:

"Could you please teach me how to scare the dementors that have been living under my bed? I'm tired of being sad all the time. I'm tired of panic attacks and my head aching and those dark circles under my eyes. I'm really tired of not being who people want me to be because I try so f***ing hard to be that perfect friend or daughter but I can't make anything right. I wish I could just disappear, pack my things and leave. Someday I'll do it."

And, in a single tweet, Rowling delivered the perfect response:

They're bothering a unique, valuable human being who deserves happiness. Ask for help. Don't fight alone. Big hug. https://t.co/V8ocAHN1Ll

— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) February 8, 2016

The decade after Rowling's battle with depression  — one month before her 32nd birthday — was when "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" was published. Just think, if she would have killed herself, this world would have been deprived of one of the most well-known and influential literary characters of all time. None of us would have known of her brilliant mind.

We don't know what our lives have in store for us. But, if you take your life, you will never find out. I'm sure when Rowling was in her 20s, she never would have guessed, in a million years, what her future would hold for her.

I'm sure if Rowling could say anything to her younger self, she would tell her, "It gets better." And to anyone battling depression, that's what I'm saying to you.

Everyone has a purpose in this world. Seek help and don't let the "Dementors" suck the life out of you.

Click here to find a psychiatrist near you.