How Depression Changed My Life

I like to talk about hope a lot. It is something that I feel people need to hold in high regard in their life. Ten years ago I could not envision myself in the position I am today, partly because it is the tenth anniversary of my attempted suicide this week. It is still hard to talk about to this day, but I look at it as a turning point in my life. It was the moment that everything changed for me. I began to work towards bettering my lot in life. Yet there are people out there that do not feel the same way.

I cannot sway the mind of everyone I meet, but if I know that someone is suffering, I do a few things that will help them.

1. Give a friendly greeting.

Perhaps the most simple thing anyone can do, yet one of the most effective things in the whole world. Hell, the greeting is two to five letters long. Some people say they do not have the time to greet people that appear down, or they think that those people do not want to talk. I call bullshit on that. People with depression, myself included, adore people taking an interest and taking the time to talk with them. It helps validate that there is some potential for them in the world. To me, every life is important on this Earth, no matter how bigoted they might be. Not everything needs to be political. Don’t try to remain politically correct. BUCK THE TREND! SAY HELLO TO PEOPLE!

2. Ask.

Sure, this is vague on the surface but the second most simple thing someone with depression needs to hear is “Are you okay?” Those three words are the most important in the world. I cannot think of any other words more important. “I love you,” “Will you marry me?” or anything like that cannot hold a candle to “Are you okay?” No matter who you are, try it some time. Ask your partner how their day was. Engage them in a conversation. If they try to deflect, “are you okay?” shows that you care about their feelings. No one likes a selfish asshole.

3. Take them out somewhere.

This one is a little harder if the person is anti-social, but then you take them to someplace quiet that they will enjoy. If someone enjoys the beach, but they aren’t feeling happy, take them to the beach. Under no circumstance should you say “it’ll be good for you.” That makes you seem selfish and uncaring of their feelings. Say “I want to see you smile,” or “You deserve it.”

I guess the most important part to take away from this is to give people around you hope however you can. Humans are a social species and if no one cares about how we feel, then we’ve already failed as a species. That is why I share all this stuff with every single one of you. If I can give even one person hope and improve their day, then I consider that a success.

I won’t bore you any longer, so go out and spread hope to those who need it.