Online Messaging around Resources For Depression How to appropriately navigate when encouraging the depressed to seek help online?

[Gunshipmusic26]

Open discussion: how do we ensure those at risk for depression seek help without becoming overbearing in our insistence for therapy? How do we ensure those suffering seek help when they are the only one who really knows how bad they feel?

All I hear these days is people repeating the mantra “seek help when you need it” on social media around depression, cringing because those without depression issues have no way of knowing that depression is so sinister due to the way it changes your thinking…..it’s not that someone just starts saying and believing they don’t want to live, but much more sinister-it changes your brain so that it starts rationalizing rash actions as being logical options or the path of least resistance to recovery. t’s the very first baby step one takes on their own to push themselves outside of the “comfort zone” that unlocks the path toward recovery and sense of hope and power that comes with learning to lower internal walls/barriers and focusing on growth and learning = happy life, hence my personal aversion to being too heavy handed in telling others what works and what doesn’t, especially since it differs for most people anyway.

I believe long lasting life lessons are only learned and applied by people that desire to improve, yet refuse to trivialize statements reminding others resources are available and plentiful to address their struggles by having it become so common that it loses its purpose…..kinda like the DARE program in the 80’s. It means well, but either completely misses the mark because having 50 year old street cops lecture a 10 year old about street drugs they’ve never heard of will not resonate with the kids at all. Until we’ve got on demand mental health care available to all (doubt that ever exists), I’m searching for effective methods to both keep the message strong encouraging people to seek help and feel supported but also provide an easy entry point for those to find help on their own with minimal barrier to entry.

Literally want to hear thoughts and opinions from all with stuff to share, we can use our expertise and experience to save a life down the line.

[Isinatra]

It’s up to the individual where they go to get suggestions or help with their issues. I wouldn’t ask advice from anyone who doesn’t have the same situation as myself. That’s why I’m here in HU. We have no control where people go. Giving suggestions to another person is a delicate procedure. I’m not anywhere a qualified therapist, so I’m careful when I choose my words. There are online sites that qualify to help people, but I agree there aren’t enough. All I can do is share my experience and sometimes refer people to a therapist or a well known site. That’s the only way I know how to “get the word out”.