Depression can happen to anyone – rich, poor, famous… it doesn’t matter. Everyone can become depressed and suicidal, and sadly, the number of suicides is increasing and in my opinion, it is because people are forced to deal with it by themselves because they are afraid and ashamed to reach out for help. Moreover, not many people know how to reach out because no one taught them how to ask or help.
If you are someone battling depression or if you have someone close to you going through this, this will help you. Here is how you can reach for help and vocalize your feelings in the right way.
1. “I FEEL ANXIOUS/DEPRESSED/SUICIDAL. I CANNOT QUITE TELL YOU WHAT I NEED BUT I KNOW I DON’T WANT TO BE ALONE DURING THIS TIME.”
It is normal for a depressed person to not know what they need or want. And that’s okay. They should reach out even if they don’t know what they say because all they can think is the pain that is inside of them. They are hurting every day and they deserve to be listened to and someone to be there for them. They shouldn’t be left alone.
2. “I DON’T FEEL GOOD AND SAFE RIGHT NOW. CAN YOU COME OVER OR STAY ON THE PHONE WITH ME UNTIL I CALM DOWN?”
I understand that these words are not easy to say because we are afraid to tell others we are having a difficult time and admit that we don’t want to be alone. This requires being vulnerable but it will make all the difference. We need to express ourselves freely because other people can’t know what we are dealing with inside.
3. “I AM NOT FEELING GOOD. CAN YOU CHECK IN WITH ME DURING THIS PERIOD TO MAKE SURE I AM ALRIGHT?”
Don’t ever be ashamed to ask someone close to you to check-in and make sure you are doing okay when you are in pain. It is a small thing to ask, but it can fundamentally help you and change your life. Having someone who knows what you are going through and cares for you will make everything better and it is vital for your mental health, so never underestimate asking a friend or a family member to help you in this way.
4. “I CANNOT TAKE CARE OF MYSELF PROPERLY. I NEED SUPPORT FROM A FRIEND. CAN YOU HELP ME?”
Maybe you need someone to help you clean your apartment because you have trouble getting out of bed, or you need someone to go to the grocery store for you. Maybe you need someone to motivate you and remind you to take your meds, make your bed, and study or go to work. Don’t hesitate to ask someone close to you to do this. Everyone needs a little support and help from others.
5. “I AM FEELING SO LOW RIGHT NOW. CAN YOU PLEASE REMIND ME OF A NICE MEMORY WE SHARED OR WHAT I MEAN TO YOU? IT WILL MEAN THE WORLD TO ME.”
We all need to hear that we matter. That someone appreciates us and sees our beautiful qualities. Because it’s true – we matter, and we are wonderful human beings. And this does not mean that they are wanting attention or appraisal, but a simple genuine request that would mean so much to the person suffering from depression.
6. “I FEAR I HAVE REACHED MY LIMIT AND I AM AFRAID. CAN I CALL YOU TONIGHT?”
This is a vital moment. Everyone deserves to have someone they can talk to when they are feeling broken and as if they can’t go on. Everyone who feels like they’ve reached their limit should reach out and call someone they can trust.
7. “I AM SUICIDAL. I NEED HELP.”
Give people the chance to help you. If you feel suicidal you must act immediately and be as direct as you can be. You should force yourself to get out of that mental state and reach for help. That is the only way.
Reach out. Because we are all in this together. Let’s help each other heal. It’s not too late.
