Depression is not just sadness. It is not to be taken lightly or ignored. Please, if you need help, call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline. (1-800-273-8255) Help break the stigma of mental illness. Everyone deserves to be mentally healthy. Don’t be ashamed to open up and get help.  

Do’s:

  • Have a well balanced diet
  • Let natural sunlight into your home
  • Exercise 
  • Seek help from a doctor 
  • Promote self-care in your life
  • If an individual expresses to you that they are depressed, be supportive and encourage them. Don’t tell them that they are only sad, or try to minimize how they feel. 
  • Set realistic goals for yourself. Depression is not something that goes away overnight. There are no quick fixes or loop holes. It is a journey that takes time. Unrealistic goals can make you feel worse, when you don’t achieve it. 
  • If an individual shows signs or expresses suicidal thoughts, get help from a professional trained in this area immediately. 
  • Let someone know about your mental health struggles 
  • Find a hobby or positive outlet
  • Try to bring life into your living space: Get a plant to take care of
  • Create a positivity/ inspirational wall: You can simply write positive quotes on post-it notes, and stick them on your walls in your living space. A good place for these notes in the your restroom. For privacy purposes, you should keep them in your room.
  • learn how to love and accept yourself
  •  Create life goals for yourself and your future

Don’t 

  • Over eat
  • Cover your windows with curtains blocking out natural light          
  • Isolated yourself
  • Starve yourself 
  • Expect other individuals to make you happy
  • Expect other individuals to understand what you are going through 
  • Think you are able to handle this alone
  • If an individual tells you about their mental health struggles, Don’t: tell everyone they know about their struggles, tell them to get over it, or ignore that person.
  • Don’t harm yourself
  • Don’t decide to make alterations to your look: Example, Don’t cut off your hair like I did. The pixie look is NOT for everyone.
  • Don’t Think you are alone or worthless. A lot of individuals suffer from mental health issues.
  • Sleep your day’s away