It’s Okay To Talk About Suicide

People are so uncomfortable about talking about mental illnesses, many don’t believe they are real. People think a mental illness is all “in a person’s head.” But people tend to cringe and change the subject when the subject of suicide comes up. They act like it’s a “forbidden” word, a “forbidden” subject to talk about. There is a lot of stigma involved when it comes to mental illnesses, but it seems like the majority of the stigma leans more towards the subject of suicide. People think talking about it is wrong when they don’t realize that talking about it, stopping the stigma that’s involved with it, can prevent it. People need to realize that this “touchy” subject is a serious matter and informing people, talking about it, letting people know it’s okay to talk about it, could save someone’s life. If you are having suicidal thoughts, please reach out to someone and talk to them, weather it be a crisis center, a family member, a friend, etc. Don’t hold it all inside. If someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, please reach out to them and talk to them. Don’t be afraid to talk about this subject with them, and don’t be afraid to inform others about ways to prevent it. 💚

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Depression Is NOT A Result of Your Actions

Depression is NOT a result of your actions. It is NOT a result of doing something that is not according to your wishes or desires. Someone actually said to me that depression is a result of these things. No. It’s not. It’s not your fault. It’s not a persons fault if he or she suffers from depression. Depression doesn’t choose its “victims” according to their actions. You could have the greatest life in the world and still suffer from depression. You could have all the money you want and all the material things you want and *still* suffer from depression. It does not discriminate by race, age, gender, sexual orientation, how good ones life may be, or actions… and it can happen to *anyone.*

It’s Okay To Ask For Help

It’s okay to ask for help. It’s okay to seek help. Asking for help or seeking help is not a weakness. We all need help in our lives, ALL of us. Seeing a therapist, psychiatrist, or psychologist is not a weakness. Taking medication for a mental illness is not a weakness. We were created to need each other, to build each other up, and to help each other. Don’t judge someone with a mental illness who asks for help or seeks help, instead, support them, show them love, and help them any way you can.

Irritability In Depression

When a person is in a depressive episode, it is vital to know with what they say, what’s them and what’s not them. Irritability is common in a depressive episode, so if they snap at you, if they lash out at you and say anything against you, do not take it personally. It’s not them talking, it’s the depression. And it is vital that you do NOT snap back. This will only worsen the situation and drive them deeper into the episode. It is vital to know what is them, and what’s not them in a depressive episode. Just whatever you do, do not snap back at them. Be patient with them and continue to show them love. 💚

It’s Okay To Feel…

Contrary to what some people believe, it’s okay to feel depressed, sad, frustrated, and angry. We are merely human beings and emotions are part of us. Life is not perfect and we are not perfect, and that’s okay. Allow yourself to feel these emotions, accept these emotions, and remember that they will not last. You won’t always feel depressed, sad, frustrated, or angry. And if you need to, you can cry. It’s okay to cry. Sometimes that’s all we can do. And it’s not a sign of weakness to cry, or feel depressed, sad, frustrated, or angry. And it’s not a sign of weakness to talk about your emotions. Sometimes talking about them, having someone to listen to you, can help a great deal. 💚

Somebody Loves You

In the midst of darkness, it can seem and feel like no one cares, especially when people are so focused on “fixing” or “changing” someone with a mental illness, instead of just being there for them and loving them. A person suffering from a mental illness does not need to be “fixed” or “changed”… they need love, they need hope, they need to be accepted, and they need to be heard. All who suffer from a mental illness… please know and remember that somebody does love you and accept you, just the way you are (mental illness included), and you are more than good enough, just the way you are. 💚

Negative Thoughts Are Lies

Any negative thought that goes through your mind is a lie. It’s not true. You are not who your depression makes you out to be. If you suffer from depression, try to start telling yourself this when it’s the easiest to start, meaning while you’re not in a depressive episode. Write it down if you can and tell yourself this everyday; “the negative thoughts are lies. I’m not who my depression makes me out to be. My depression does not define me.” You are loved just the way you are and you are good enough just the way you are.

Things You CAN Say To A Depressed Person

There are many many things that you can (and should) say to a person who suffers from depression, here are 15 of those things, just to give people an idea of how to talk to someone with depression. Be kind in the words you speak. Let your words, and your actions, radiate love and compassion.

Things you can (and should) say to a person who suffers from depression:

You’re not alone
I’m not going to leave or abandon you
You’re not crazy
You’re important to me, you matter to me
You’re never a burden
I’m not giving up on you
I’m sorry you’re feeling depressed
You are not your depression
I’m here for you
There’s nothing wrong with you. Depression is an illness and it can happen to anyone
I know it doesn’t seem like it right now, but you won’t always feel this way
I’m glad you’re here
I’m here to listen
I love you

What NOT To Say To A Depressed Person

For someone who doesn’t suffer from depression, it’s easy for him or her to forget about certain things that are said to him or her, like the comments on this list. For someone who suffers from depression, however, it is not that simple and can actually amplify his or her depression. While there are many more things that you should never say to someone who suffers from depression, here are 15 of those things. Be careful in the words you choose while talking to someone who suffers from depression; it could literally be the difference between life and death.

Things you should NEVER say to someone who suffers from depression:

Snap out of it.
Stop whining/complaining
It’s all in your head
Grow up/man up
Stop feeling sorry for yourself
There are a lot of people worse off than you
You have nothing to be depressed about
You should stop taking those pills
You don’t look depressed
You’re just being selfish
You’re just looking for attention
Don’t feel depressed
Get over it
You only feel this way because you want to
Don’t think about it

Depression

There are so many people who think depression isn’t real, that it’s all just in a persons head. Most of these people think it’s not real because they don’t suffer from it. Some people suffer from it without even knowing they do. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed, you may be suffering from clinical depression. Don’t be afraid to reach out for help and know that you are not alone and there is hope. Depression is not a sign of weakness or a character flaw. It’s a mental illness and it can happen to anyone. If someone you know is showing signs of the symptoms listed, please reach out to them, calmly, patiently, and non-judgmentally. And please keep in mind, depression is not just in a persons head and they cannot just “snap out of it.”

Symptoms of depression:

feelings of hopelessness, or pessimism
persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood
irritability
feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
decreased energy or fatigue
insomnia or oversleeping
appetite and/or weight changes
thoughts of death or suicide
aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems without a clear physical cause