Today is World Suicide Prevention Day. Back in July, I blogged about Project Semicolon, and I’ve blogged before about my own battles with depression. Today, worldwide, people are raising awareness about mental heath awareness and how to prevent suicide, I have a little collection of links you can explore.
If you have never struggled with depression or other mental illnesses, I implore you to visit one or two of these links, to try and understand what those fighting mental illness are up against. It’s not as easy as “buck up” or “smile” or “it could always be worse.” Read and learn the signs that someone is struggling.
If you have ever, or currently are struggling with depression, I know that clicking on any of these links feels like an exercise in futility. I know that it feels like nothing anyone says can minimize the desperation you feel. But please, please, believe me when I say, like this post says, it’s okay. It’s okay to be honest, and it’s okay–it is so very much okay–to ask for help.
And now, some links.
A Buzzfeed listicle about lies depression tells you.
The blog over at To Write Love on Her Arms often is brave, raw, and comforting.
Project Semicolon is one of my favorite places to go when I’m looking for stories of empathy.
The International Association for Suicide Prevention has so many resources to educate anyone on mental illness.
Here’s some tips to manage anxiety and stress. (I hereby testify that sitting and focusing on breathing is way more therapeutic than I ever gave credit for.)
I love everything about this video.
If you are able, no matter where you live, consider participating in one of these walks.
And please, please, please, if you are in crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK.
If you aren’t in crisis and would just like someone to talk to, let me know. I’d be happy to listen. It’s okay.
