With the passing of beloved meteorologist Tom Johnston, a lot of various sources have started bringing awareness to mental health and depression. Unfortunately, that doesn't stop some people from making jokes about the topic. Before you start commenting on this and trying to start shit, just know that I get that making jokes about serious subjects is how some people cope with the subject. This is just sort of my story (which is incredibly difficult to talk about) and why I don't find jokes about depression and mental health all that funny.
I'm just going to start this by telling you my history with depression and mental health very very briefly. I've struggled with depression since I was about 16 years old and, to be as blunt as I can be, I have a past with suicide. Luckily, I haven't thought about it too recently, but even if it's not the first thing on my mind, I know very well that the thoughts are still there and can surface at any point. To give you just a little feel into what my thoughts consist of, it's basically I get into the mindset that nobody really wants me around and the world would be better off if I wasn't here and stuff like that. Which is why when someone makes a joke about suicide, I can get very defensive in a split second. I don't find it humorous in any sense.
A lot of people have been saying since the news about Tom came out that he seemed like a really happy person or they never would've guessed this would happen especially to him, which brings me to my next point. A lot of people are good at hiding their depression, so good you can't even tell their depressed. They will continue to live their lives until that one final thing gets to them and we all know how that can end. The thing is that you can easily make a difference in someone's day, whether they're depressed or not.
For all my people out there who know someone struggling with these sorts of issues or is someone dealing with it, you're not alone ever. There are so many people who can help you with whatever you need. When my depression first came about, I refused to seek help. I was convinced I didn't need it and it wasn't until my first attempt to take my own life that I knew I needed help. There are counselors, social workers, hotlines, groups, etc. All that can help you feel like you matter again.
If there was one thing I wanted you to get from reading this, it would be that you're not alone and you always matter. You make an impact on everyone you meet and sometimes, when you make a joke, it can send someone over the edge. This article isn't meant to scare you or anything, this is my way of sharing my story and giving my support. Below this are numbers you can call if you ever need the help. I hope that this sheds some light on this subject and I know it's a serious subject and it's hard to talk about. Thank you for reading this.
National Alliance on Mental Health (Maine): (800) 464-5767
National Alliance on Mental Health (Hotline): (800) 950-6264
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
Maine Crisis Hotline: 1-888-568-1112
