• Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood


• Feelings of hopelessness, or pessimism


• Irritability


• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness


• Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities


• Decreased energy or fatigue


• Moving or talking more slowly


• Feeling restless or having trouble sitting still


• Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions


• Difficulty sleeping, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping


• Appetite and/or weight changes


• Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts


• Aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems without a clear physical cause and/or that do not ease even with treatment
  
   
  
  Now that we've kind of glossed over what depression is, Here are ways that you can help friends/family with depression and some tips and tricks. (Note: I have not been diagnosed with Depression. My mother had it though and many of my friends struggle with it. So, my tips and tricks are just what I've seen as helpful with them. But, everyone is different, so what works for someone might not work for you and that is okay!)
  
   
  
  Ways you can help - Tips and Tricks :
  Per the NIHM : 


• - Offer support, understanding, patience, and encouragement.


• - Invite them out for walks, outings, and other activities.


• - Help them stick to their treatment plan, such as setting reminders to take prescribed medications.


• - Make sure they have transportation to therapy appointments.


• - Remind them that, with time and treatment, the depression will lift.
  My Personal Tips : 
  - Be patient. They cannot help that their brain treats them cruely. 
  - Offer support without judgement. 
  - Invite them. Even if they say no every single time, invite them. Because it shows that you still care about them. 
  - When safe - go and visit them! Maybe help them tidy up or encourage a self care day that's low energy! So, a nice face mask, some flavored waters, and maybe even some comfort food take out! Or even more simple, just sit and watch a movie together. 
  - When safe - try to get them to come outside with you. Sit on the lawn and have a small picnic. Read books together. Or just hang out and talk. 
  - Even more simple tip that I do for a good friend "Serotonin Delivery". We have the mutual understanding that no response is needed. It is simply just us - messaging back and forth via facebook, sharing photos, quotes, tiktok videos, or memes that we find funny. We call them "Serotonin Deliveries" because it's something that made us smile. And we both know that we don't have to respond if we don't have the energy and neither gets hurt. 
  - Remind them. Remind them that they are loved, they are not a burden, and that they matter.
  
   
  Helpful Hotline Numbers :
  The Samaritans HelpLine – 1-877-870-4673
  They provide compassionate support to anyone who is feeling anxious and confused. Any adult feeling isolated, depressed, or suicidal can reach out anytime to Samaratins for support. It's confidential and free to use.


• loveisrespect: 1-866-331-9474.


• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 (24/7)


• The Trevor Project: 866-488-7386 (24/7)


• National Eating Disorder Association: 1-800-931-2237.


• Crisis Text Line: Text SUPPORT to 741-741.


• National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264. 
  
  
  To finish today's post off - please remember that I am always here for you! You are not a burden. You are loved, you are valid, you are valued, and you matter. I hope that this helps some (: You are not alone. 
  What topic should I cover next week? 

Sorry to jump on your post Sat... I love what are doing.

could I possibly just mention a couple of lines for UK players?

samaritans - 0808 164 0123

SANEline - 0300 304 7000

or the Nhs mental health can provide you with numbers similar to the crisis teams.

https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/mental-health/find-an-urgent-mental-health-helpline

for anyone in the UK, struggling with mental health. Anxiety, low moods and suicidal feelings.

You have been City'd xD

Thank you so much for this, Subrosa! I was unsure of UK numbers, so I didn't want to post numbers that could possibly be wrong. You rock! 


Edit - Loves, I am US based. So if you are in other countries and know of hotlines or helpful websites - please never hesistate to share them!! It is so greatly appreciated! 

Aniexty is a big one, I suffer from it. It often keeps me awake at night and its not fun. Ive been able to sleep better.

But im glad your talking about mental health, its such a stigma that needs to be uncovered. Because people that suffer mental health issues are people like you and me and everybody else out there. Some people dont notice or wont admit to having a mental health problem. Your doing such a great job!

Anxiety most definitely causes lack of sleep in my case. Or insomnia. The struggle is real! So you are not alone there! 

And thank you! That is my goal - to get past the stigma and open up a safe space for knowledge to be shared and discussions to be had!