Thread by @brianscully

I have depression. I've thought about killing myself plenty of times in my life. One or two times, I came really close to being strong enough to try. In none of those times did I feel strong enough to reach out for help. I didn't feel strong enough to call anyone, tell anyone. 1/

And that's part of what depression does. It isolates you. It pulls you away. It weighs you down mentally, emotionally, spiritually. One of the hardest things for someone in those moments to do is to reach out.

So if you know someone who faces this, please reach out to THEM. 2/

Ask them if they're okay. Tell them you are there to listen to them. Tell them you are there for them. Remind them you love them. Remind them that they matter to you and to the world. Remind them that you are there to help them however they need it. Kindness. 3/

There are countless stories people can tell you of how even the smallest gestures of kindness and awareness even from a total stranger has been enough to cross the finish line of a day so a new day could start. Give that. Give that to those closest to you. Give that to others. 4/

You can't control what anyone does. You can control what you do.

Do kindness. Be there for each other. When someone doesn't know how to ask for help, ask them. Listen. Be present.

You matter. I matter. We matter.

Something else. This is #PrideMonth. Suicide can be "contagious". LGBT+ individuals consider, attempt or commit suicide at alarming rates. It is so easy for us to feel alone, marginalized, ignored, unwanted, unloved. Reach out. Show them they're not. Be present. Show kindness.

I say all of this because for so many, the crippling fear of stigma plays a huge part in staying silent about depression and suicidal thoughts. There's nothing to be ashamed about. Depression lies. Those around you can remind you of the truth.

The more people can acknowledge it, the more it may help those who struggle with acknowledging it. Every new voice heard means someone else may feel less alone. Because we're not alone. You may think it during your darkest moments, but I promise you're not. You are not alone.