MENTAL HEALTH STUDY RESULTS:
https://www.redandblack.com/uganews/uga-study-shows-depression-harmful-for-african-american-community/article_b1a1193c-69b5-11e6-a00e-3b232dde7e7c.html
https://www.redandblack.com/uganews/uga-study-shows-depression-harmful-for-african-american-community/article_b1a1193c-69b5-11e6-a00e-3b232dde7e7c.html
Did you know that if you send a text to 741741 when you are feeling really depressed or suicidal, a crisis counselor will text with you?
Many people do not like talking on the phone and would be more comfortable texting. It's a free (and anonymous) service run by The Crisis Text Line!
#youarenotalone #suicideprevention
Did you know that if you text 0410 526 562 (White Wreath) when you are feeling depressed, suicidal, or just needing someone to talk to, a crisis counsellor will text with you? Many people do not like talking on the phone and would be more comfortable texting.
It's a free service
Many people do not like talking on the phone and would be more comfortable texting. It's a free (and anonymous) service run by The Crisis Text Line!
#youarenotalone #suicideprevention
Did you know that if you text 0410 526 562 (White Wreath) when you are feeling depressed, suicidal, or just needing someone to talk to, a crisis counsellor will text with you? Many people do not like talking on the phone and would be more comfortable texting.
It's a free service
*Links at bottom of post*
Today, I woke up to the start of my 30th year on Earth. And while that’s a milestone in itself, it’s particularly big for me because I almost didn’t make it here. A little over a month ago, I recorded a video with instructions on what to do after my death then placed a gun to my head. The only thing stopping me from pulling the trigger was waiting on a call from my mom so I could tell her what was going on. I knew, for all of the things I was dealing with in that moment, I couldn’t leave this world without letting her know that the depression I’d lived with for 21 years was back and I didn’t want to continue living anymore. That was probably the lowest moment in my life.
Depression has been apart of my world since I was 9 years old. I even failed a suicide attempt in my adolescence. Living with depression as a black man is not the easiest thing in the world because we are always expected to “be strong” and to always be okay. That day was the first time in a long time I had to admit I was no longer okay. For me, being an introvert and naturally withdrawn, it’s nearly impossible for me to express what goes on in my brain to others. Especially when my brain can be the most dangerous place for me to be and that being where I spend the majority of my time.
\\nI recently made the decision to not be okay and to seek professional help. I also started being honest with those close to me about what I have been dealing with. In doing so, I realized that I am lucky to be able to afford to pay for therapy and to have people close to me that understand mental health isn’t something I can pray away or just cheer up and be fine. So, if you’re still reading this, as much as I appreciate the happy birthday posts each year, I’d appreciate more if you would share the following alternative resources for someone who may be struggling with mental health but doesn’t have the money and/or circle to be able to deal with it in a healthy fashion. These resources are less expensive than traditional therapy and in some cases free. As someone people never think to check up on because I’m “strong” I can tell you this may help someone you’d never think was struggling. Maybe it’ll be one less “I never knew they were suffering” post after someone you care about commits suicide.
Talkspace.com – Virtual Therapy, cheaper than a traditional therapist. (I use this)
Mindspot.org.au – free 8 week course on dealing with depression and Anxiety
Recoveryinternational.org – online and in person group therapy meetings. Free
Samaritans.org – anonymously email counselors. Free
Crisis Line – Text HELP to 741741, talk to a therapist. Free
Thanks to anybody who took the time to read and/or share this. It means a lot. Mental health is important and sometimes the difference between somebody deciding living is worth it could be you.
Today, I woke up to the start of my 30th year on Earth. And while that’s a milestone in itself, it’s particularly big for me because I almost didn’t make it here. A little over a month ago, I recorded a video with instructions on what to do after my death then placed a gun to my head. The only thing stopping me from pulling the trigger was waiting on a call from my mom so I could tell her what was going on. I knew, for all of the things I was dealing with in that moment, I couldn’t leave this world without letting her know that the depression I’d lived with for 21 years was back and I didn’t want to continue living anymore. That was probably the lowest moment in my life.
Depression has been apart of my world since I was 9 years old. I even failed a suicide attempt in my adolescence. Living with depression as a black man is not the easiest thing in the world because we are always expected to “be strong” and to always be okay. That day was the first time in a long time I had to admit I was no longer okay. For me, being an introvert and naturally withdrawn, it’s nearly impossible for me to express what goes on in my brain to others. Especially when my brain can be the most dangerous place for me to be and that being where I spend the majority of my time.
\\nI recently made the decision to not be okay and to seek professional help. I also started being honest with those close to me about what I have been dealing with. In doing so, I realized that I am lucky to be able to afford to pay for therapy and to have people close to me that understand mental health isn’t something I can pray away or just cheer up and be fine. So, if you’re still reading this, as much as I appreciate the happy birthday posts each year, I’d appreciate more if you would share the following alternative resources for someone who may be struggling with mental health but doesn’t have the money and/or circle to be able to deal with it in a healthy fashion. These resources are less expensive than traditional therapy and in some cases free. As someone people never think to check up on because I’m “strong” I can tell you this may help someone you’d never think was struggling. Maybe it’ll be one less “I never knew they were suffering” post after someone you care about commits suicide.
Talkspace.com – Virtual Therapy, cheaper than a traditional therapist. (I use this)
Mindspot.org.au – free 8 week course on dealing with depression and Anxiety
Recoveryinternational.org – online and in person group therapy meetings. Free
Samaritans.org – anonymously email counselors. Free
Crisis Line – Text HELP to 741741, talk to a therapist. Free
Thanks to anybody who took the time to read and/or share this. It means a lot. Mental health is important and sometimes the difference between somebody deciding living is worth it could be you.
A Prayer Against Depression: God, I have been carrying a heavy burden and I am coming to You right now for relief. I surrender all my hurts, disappointments and insecurities to You. Thank You for Your Word, which tells me about Your unconditional love and affection for me. You are my Father, and I am Your child. I love to be in Your presence, You are the source of all my peace and joy. Forever I will praise You. Amen.
Hank Smith:
I had a great talk today with a friend about how we see mental illnesses in the Church. We talked about many who are "acting fine" when they really aren't. Teens and adults alike are great at fooling everyone, including the people closest to them. Many don't want to let on that they are tortured by their own mind day in and day out. How can we do away with the shame associated with these problems?
If you or someone you love has depression or any other mental health problem, I hope you'll open your heart to the wisdom of this quote. There is no more shame in getting medical treatment for depression than there is for getting help with diabetes or heart trouble. You wouldn't tell your friend with cancer to simply be more spiritual, have more faith, or think more positively. Let's make sure all of our loved ones with depression know that we know this isn't their fault, they aren't broken, and we don't see them as faithless. Depression, anxiety, and other mental illnesses are chemistry problems, not character problems. Let's show them we stand by their side as they wrestle with their trials as they've stood by us when we've wrestled with ours.
I had a great talk today with a friend about how we see mental illnesses in the Church. We talked about many who are "acting fine" when they really aren't. Teens and adults alike are great at fooling everyone, including the people closest to them. Many don't want to let on that they are tortured by their own mind day in and day out. How can we do away with the shame associated with these problems?
If you or someone you love has depression or any other mental health problem, I hope you'll open your heart to the wisdom of this quote. There is no more shame in getting medical treatment for depression than there is for getting help with diabetes or heart trouble. You wouldn't tell your friend with cancer to simply be more spiritual, have more faith, or think more positively. Let's make sure all of our loved ones with depression know that we know this isn't their fault, they aren't broken, and we don't see them as faithless. Depression, anxiety, and other mental illnesses are chemistry problems, not character problems. Let's show them we stand by their side as they wrestle with their trials as they've stood by us when we've wrestled with ours.