After the tragic passing of both Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain this month I found it important to start a conversation about mental illness, specifically depression. More people you know deal with it on a regular basis, myself included. I wanted to ask people who are going through it a few questions so we can start a healthy conversation to something very important that needs to get it's negative stigma taken away once and for all. So, I asked 15 people to talk about their depression and this is what they said.
1. Age 23
How long have you been dealing with depression?
About a year
If your depression was a person, what would you tell it?
To go away
What are some ways we can put more awareness out there when it comes to mental illness?
Posts through social media
If you could tell someone who is dealing with mental illness quietly and is struggling, what would you tell them?
That they're not alone and it's okay to reach out to someone
2. Age 21
How long have you been dealing with depression?
I was diagnosed with depression when I was 10 or 11
If your depression was a person, what would you tell it?
I'm better than you tell me I am. I'm worth more than you tell me I am. I can do so much more than you tell me I can do. I may have to live with you for now, but you exist because of me. One day I won't need you anymore—you won't be part of my identity, you'll be nothing, but I'll become everything you said I couldn't be. You won't control me forever.
What are some ways we can put more awareness out there when it comes to mental illness?
Make kindness the norm. Reach out to people. Check in on friends, whether you know they're struggling or not. Random acts of kindness can go a long way.
If you could tell someone who is dealing with mental illness quietly and is struggling, what would you tell them?
I've been there too. I'm still there. Some days are better than others, but for me knowing I'm not the only one helps. The people around you love you, and they're there to help as best they can. You don't have to do it alone.
3. Age 22
How long have you been dealing with depression?
The last 7 years on and off
4. Age 51
How long have you been dealing with depression?
25 years
If your depression was a person, what would you tell it?
To go away and stop being toxic to my life.
What are some ways we can put more awareness out there when it comes to mental illness?
I'd like to see more people talk about it without feeling ashamed. Take away the stigma.
If you could tell someone who is dealing with mental illness quietly and is struggling, what would you tell them?
Talk to someone. Start with a friend. But get some professional help. And don't feel that taking medication somehow lessens you as a person. Just the opposite, once you get your medication right, you will be able to enjoy so much more.
5. Age 26
How long have you been dealing with depression?
10+ years
If your depression was a person, what would you tell it?
Go away
What are some ways we can out more awareness out there when it comes to mental illness?
Telling our stories- no matter how scared we might be that someone will be closed-minded, the best way to educate people is to talk about it.
If you could tell someone who is dealing with mental illness quietly and is struggling, what would you tell them?
You are not alone. Keep fighting- it'll be worth it.
6. Age 21
How long have you been dealing with depression?
6-7 years
If your depression was a person, what would you tell it?
You are toxic, life draining and I wish to never see you in my lifetime again.
What are some ways we can put more awareness out there when it comes to mental illness?
Talking about it. To everyone. Not just those who also are talking about it but everyone. If anything, ESPECIALLY the ones who aren't talking about it
If you could tell someone who is dealing with mental illness quietly and is struggling, what would you tell them?
You are the furthest from being alone, despite that constant feeling. It is hard, the hardest pain to experience. But your life is so worth living that the world would stop if you weren't here.
7. Age 22
How long have you been dealing with depression?
4 years
If your depression was a person, what would you tell it?
F*ck off. You don't own me.
What are some ways we can put more awareness out there when it comes to mental illness?
Talk openly about it! So many people try to hide their mental illnesses or to avoid bringing up their loved ones' illnesses for fear of awkward, uncomfortable conversations. If we don't talk about it when it isn't tough, it'll be even harder to talk about it when it is tough.
If you could tell someone who is dealing with mental illness quietly and is struggling, what would you tell them?
You are not alone, and you are stronger than you know. Please talk to somebody. I love you and care about you.
8. Age 25
How long have you been dealing with depression?
Since 2000
If your depression was a person, what would you tell it?
You've been around so long you're comforting. In the brief windows without you, I feel numb. Like I'm missing something.
What are some ways we can put more awareness out there when it comes to mental illness?
Just admitting when you're not alright. Let people see it's okay to feel something other than fine.
If you could tell someone who is dealing with mental illness quietly and is struggling, what would you tell them?
Nothing. As much as I'd like them to get help, that's up to them. When they are ready, by all means. It's been 18 years for me, and I haven't broken down yet.
9. Age 61
How long have you been dealing with depression?
44 years
What are some ways we can put more awareness out there when it comes to mental illness?
Remind people: if you don't have anything nice to say, keep your mouth shut. Treat others the way you want to be treated. Get more commercials showing real people who fought and lost not just drugs that can help with it. This is REAL.
If you could tell someone who is dealing with mental illness quietly and is struggling, what would you tell them?
Keep a journal, see your Dr. Rule out any physical illness that may cause you to feel the way you feel. TALK to some one because you're not alone. You can take control. This is real!
10. Age 23
How long have you been dealing with depression?
7 years
If your depression was a person, what would you tell it?
You're never going to be good enough for a happy life.
What are some ways we can put more awareness out there when it comes to mental illness?
Less judgement, more love and support.
If you could tell someone who is dealing with mental illness quietly and is struggling, what would you tell them?
Keep going, it will always be okay, no matter how impossible the future seems.
11. Age 21
How long have you been dealing with depression?
A few years
If your depression was a person, what would you tell it?
That I'm worthless, my ideas are stupid, you're a failure.
What are some ways we can put more awareness out there when it comes to mental illness?
Talk to kids in school about depression.
If you could tell someone who is dealing with mental illness quietly and is struggling, what would you tell them?
That it's okay to struggle and make sure that they talk to someone about it.
12. Age 26
How long have you been dealing with depression?
13 years
If your depression was a person, what would you tell it?
F*ck you.
What are some ways we can put more awareness out there when it comes to mental illness?
I genuinely think people just need to be exposed to it and not be afraid of it.
If you could tell someone who is dealing with mental illness quietly and is struggling, what would you tell them?
It will get better. I know right now it seems like it never will and there's no light at the end of the tunnel, but one day, you'll see it. I promise.
13. Age 22
How long have you been dealing with depression?
Over 10 years
If your depression was a person, what would you tell it?
To lighten up and that everything will be okay.
What are some ways we can put more awareness out there when it comes to mental illness?
More education earlier in life.
If you could tell someone who is dealing with mental illness quietly and is struggling, what would you tell them?
To try to get help from a professional.
14. Age 23
How long have you been dealing with depression?
11 years
If your depression was a person, what would you tell it?
I don't understand you. I'm trying.
What are some ways we can put more awareness out there when it comes to mental illness?
Be very honest, open & direct about it. The ugly parts, the ugly thoughts & behaviors.
If you could tell someone who is dealing with mental illness quietly and is struggling, what would you tell them?
You will have bad days, and you will have good days. The good days are worth having the bad ones. You are loved, and worthy of love.
15. Age 22
How long have you been dealing with depression?
8 years
If you depression was a person, what would you tell it?
Go screw.
What are some ways we can put more awareness out there when it comes to mental illness?
Talk about it more in general to take away the social stigma of having a mental illness.
If you could tell someone who is dealing with mental illness quietly and is struggling, what would you tell them?
Never be afraid of asking for help. More people are struggling with this than you think.
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