September is the month of National Suicide Prevention, and for the past several weeks, social media platforms have become flooded by empowering survival stories.
A new hashtag in Instagram #faceofdepression adds a significant layer of depth to the general conversation, and this topic is something that we shouldn’t ignore.
Many people suffering from depression commit suicide. But even their loved ones or friends failed to notice the signs. Are there any visible signs? How does a depressed person look like? What kind of thoughts do they have?
Most of us would probably imagine a person crumpling up on a bathroom floor. But in reality, people who are struggling with mental health problems hide it in their daily lives. They can look just like any other person you’d see every day.
One of the most heartfelt contributions to the campaign is the video shared by Talinda Bentley, widow of Linkin Park vocalist Chester Bennington. It showed him smiling and laughing just 36 hours before he took his own life.
This shows that people shouldn’t take everything at face value as it is difficult to recognize someone with a mental health issue. If you or someone you know is experiencing such problems, do not hesitate to talk to someone or contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. You can visit their website to live chat with a counselor or call 1-800-273-8255 for urgent help.
#1.
#2.
#3.
Yes, I am smiling. I smiled for you. I smiled so I don’t make you feel bad. I don’t want you to feel like I do. I also don’t want you to feel like there is something you can do to make me “feel better”. There isn’t anything anyone can do.
I have to work through it on my own. The worst part is that this bout snuck up on me. I recognize the familiarity of it all though. Empty Lonely Heavy Tired So tired Everything is loud Everything is annoying I have no patience I want to be left alone I want to stay in bed I don’t want to work out I want to eat everything without cooking anything The best part is that I haven’t felt like this in a very long time AND that I recognize it for what is.
I’m the one who bakes and does crafts. You see that on the outside but you don’t see the darkness inside. For those that are also suffering….PLEASE SEEK HELP. Treatment is different for each person. Do what is best for you.
I’m doing what works for me while I get back to Monique. So for now – I smile, and let people know I’m struggling.
#4.
The night before she ended up in the hospital they went to the daddy daughter dance and had an amazing time. Thankfully she’s still alive today and learning to beat her illness. She was 8 at the time
#5.
Will never understand it…
#6.
#7.
I fight every day. My husband tries his best but can’t break through. I don’t understand it. I don’t know why I can’t get rid of it. I have a wonderful family. I feel selfish, lost, sick and angry at myself. My brain has always been a little scrambled and I’ve fought just to make it thru school, I can’t keep a job.
I can’t stay in task long enough or I take too long. I leave before I get fired. It’s hard to feel worthless and I hate feeling like a burden to my family. I have so much pain inside. I’m in therapy I have meds. All I know is even though I feel like suicide would make life easier for my family, I also feel like if I could just get my head fixed and could be someone worthy, I really would like to stay around.
I have been trying for so long I don’t know if it’s gonna happen for me. Today I am here. We will see how tomorrow goes tomorrow. I take it day for day and some times hour by hour. Sometimes i think If I can get through one more hour I’ll go to bed and I’ll sleep til tomorrow and see how it goes.
Today has been ok. I’m trying to find something good today to give hope for tomorrow. Today I try.
#8.
#9.
#10.
#11.
#12.
#13.
.
#14.
#15.
What’s your take on this? Let us know in the comments section below! If you or someone you know needs help, call 1-800-273-8255 or visit the official website of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.