Link – It’s National Suicide Prevention Week, and here are small things you can do to help loved ones struggling with depression

There’s some decent advice in here, but I really wanted to focus on this one bit of information –

“There was a time when I couldn’t even leave my house. I’d become a hermit, hiding from any and everything that might see me. It took encouragement from others while I started over — practicing getting dressed, sitting on my porch, etc. — for me to move past those defenses. Encourage the people you love to reach out, even if it’s not to you. Tell them about the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline number (listed at the top and bottom of this article) where they can call or text, anytime. No matter what they’re feeling, make sure they know there will be someone to listen. Always.”

I think it’s invaluable to not only offer support, and be there for someone dealing with depression or whatever, but to also encourage the person to build a support system beyond just you. None of us can be the entire source of support for another person. It’s a sure way to burn out, and lose yourself.

It really does take a support SYSTEM. That should include other people, and emergency resources like local hotline numbers, online forums, etc. One person simply cannot be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They shouldn’t have to be.

http://hellogiggles.com/lifestyle/health-fitness/small-things-help-someone-struggling-depression/