Some think that depression and hurt doesn't reach the prosperous, those with unbroken families, those with good grades, those with a significant other... but depression doesn't discriminate. It can attack anyone of any standing at any time. Take a stroll by a junior high sometime... a high school. You can see pain in their eyes, you can see hurt beyond their smile, you can tell they're struggling to find a place.
Why is it that this pain, this extremely real misery and ILLNESS is so unacceptable? Anyone who may be depressed, self-injur or dress a little differently is suddenly "emo" and "trying to get attention." And people wonder why suicide is the third leading cause of death among teenagers. It's hard enough to tell someone about your darkest thoughts and feelings, let alone piling the fear of name calling and judgement on top of that. Love can do wonders, acceptance heals, why do we spread intolerance instead?
A kind word can save someone from suicide,
A hug can provide a sense of comfort or belonging,
A smile can be contagious.
If only for a moment, we can bring happiness to someone's life... and a moment is a start.
We have the power to heal the broken with a simple gesture. Whether the gesture is a smile or if it's telling someone professional who can truly bring long term healing... it all makes a difference. The point is, we can't stand separated and intolerant... alienating the people who were unfortunate enough to fall victim to illness. We have to stand together, stand strong... and spread love. Who knows what could happen then?
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I totally agree. I along with a lot of other people including my family and I know that those gestures might not mean a whole lot but it gives a little bit of hope and when somebody is in their darkest moment they might just remember it.
Exactly. I've been struggling with depression for quite some time now, and I know several of my friends are. In the long run, some of these small gestures are what can be remembered most.
For most of my life I've always remembered the small things. It makes me smile to remember the good even if those times are long past. I hope you and your friends can remember the small things when the pain comes.
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You can't ignore me, for I'll not lie down quietly.
http://insanitek.net
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