When Darkness Falls (Thought Post)

Good Morning Lovelies!

Ok so I know it isn't morning. Sorry! But My lack of creativity has been nearly nonexistent lately and I figured hey, whatever, I'll post whenever I get inspired. And I got inspired.... at nine o clock at night! It happens!
Originally I wasn't going to do such a dark post with this head, because it is the cutest thing EVER and deserves to be shown in all its beautiful glory, but I will get to that in another post.

*TRIGGER ALERT*

(Mental Health/ Depression)

Some of my very close friends know that along with the multitude of health problems I have, I also suffer from pretty severe depression. I wanted to talk about this a little bit because it is such a huge issue that not many people are aware of, or educated about.

Firstly, I want to get some facts out of the way:

• According to the World Health Organization, also known simply as WHO, one in four people will suffer from a mental health disorder at some point in their lives. One in four. That is not a big number guys!
• Approximately 450 million people currently suffer from a mental health condition which makes mental health disorders one of the leading causes of disability and sickness.
• Nearly two thirds of people who know they have a mental disorder never actually seek healthcare from a professional.

Another thing to keep in mind is the stigma around mental health. I don't care if you are a medical professional. Most of the stigma I have seen is within the walls of hospitals. So your medical degree doesn't make me think you don't have a stigma. If anything I may think you might have a stigma more. Having a mental health disorder does not make you 'crazy'. It makes you a person. Yes, some people don't have one... they are so lucky!

I wanted to make this post to talk about depression. To let someone who doesn't have it know how it feels. Depression is not something you can just 'snap out of.' It isn't 'feeling sad for awhile'. And it wont just 'go away'. It isn't something you can just 'get over'.  

Someone who has depression may feel different to another person having depression. Some may feel like they are a burden to others and that others would be better off without them. Others might feel un-included or very different. Others might feel laughed at or scared. Even others lonely or empty. Its not a one size fits all disease. Anyone can get it yes, but the symptoms are varying.

So... what should you do if you suspect a friend is struggling with depression? Look for the signs. Have they stopped talking to you? Have they stopped doing things they normally enjoy? Do they seem distant lately? Or sad? Do they suspect you of doing certain things that you haven't? Maybe things you have said or done have come across wrong. Don't let them suffer alone. Talk to them. Visit them if you can. That's the best option. But if you cant visit, even talking on the phone can help. Even if your silent. Do things with them. Even if you just sit in silence, it is much better then sitting alone. Trust me. Just sitting with someone who is depressed can mean the world and help them more then you know. One of the most important things you can do is educate yourself.

What do you do if YOU are suffering from depression? Reach out. It is a hard thing to do but ask for help. Friends, family. Call a therapist if you have one. Try to get one if you don't. And I cant stress this enough... if you are having suicidal thoughts... please, call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline. Its there for a reason.

For people in the United States, the number is:

1 (800) 273-8255

Use it. It is okay to ask for help. It doesn't make you weak. If anything it makes you strong. 

Most of all, keep fighting. Depression is hard. But you aren't the only one who suffers.

XOXO

Get The Look:

Head: SOMEMORE - SaeBom mesh head - RARE
Skin:SOMEMORE- SaeBom skin tone 01
Hair: +Spellbound+ - Wolves - DUO // Chapter III : Magic
Hoodie: [monso] - My Fur Hoodie - Black
Outfit: -Pixicat- Hunter.Set (Black)

Extras:

Bench (W/Pose): [ zerkalo ] - Fenris Daybed - PG
Cave: custom
Vines: 3D TREES - Virginia Creeper
Ferns & Rocks: ROOST - New Port Rock Set 1
Light Beam: Botanical - Light Beam (large)
Sim: TELRUNYA - Forest of Dreams