I recently learned about DJ Stephen Boss, best known by the name tWitch, who was on the Ellen Show as her DJ, who died by taking his own life.  I was shocked to read it. He always seemed so upbeat and happy on the show.

We don’t know what someone is facing or going through unless they speak up. Sadness and hopelessness can hide behind smiles and laughter. Listen to words and dialogue; the signs will be there. No one can hide severe depression that well. I had a college professor, Jay Hammeran, at Marywood University who used snarky comments about his wife buying stuff from the television. He seemed okay, but his words were dark and biting. He ended his life in a shocking situation, ironically close to Christmas on December 14, 2004.

I’m not writing this post to be depressing or drag anyone down during this festive time.  But it’s a reality, and I feel it’s my responsibility to share what I know that may help someone else.

I know what it feels like to be sad and depressed. It is an awful feeling. Yet, I’ve never lost hope that things will turn around – as they do. For me, the depression stemmed from “situational depression,” not clinical depression, and I had therapy and worked on myself but was not on medication for it. However, some need the medicine to be okay, and that’s alright. Do what you need to do to feel better. Sometimes it’s a brain chemical imbalance that can be rectified with medication.

I want to share what I think are helpful tips (that helped me) to get you through whatever is hurting you:

1. Nothing lasts forever.
2. Think about a year ago when you worried about something that didn’t come to pass or did come to pass, and you got through it. You can do it again.
3. Cry it out and then pull up your pants and move on to do some action. It doesn’t matter what; just do something.
4. Take vitamins if you are deficient. Vitamin D3 is excellent for this time of year when we don’t get a lot of sunshine. You’d be surprised how a low vitamin D3 level can affect your mood. Vitamin B12 is another good mood-boosting vitamin that plays a role in our brain health.
5. Move! Exercise gets the blood flowing, and yucky thoughts get unstuck with motion.
6. Help someone else. It takes the focus off your self-defeating thoughts.
7. Talk it out. Talk to someone. Call a free hotline and get it out. You’ll feel better. Trust me. Don’t suffer alone. You’re worth more.
8. Always keep in mind that self-defeating and negative thoughts are not reality. It’s just as easy to think positively, so do that instead.

Here are some free places to contact:

National Mental Health Hotline  – mentalhealthhotline.org- 866-903-3787 

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

Warmline   – There are different numbers for different states. Click here to find your state.

A warmline is a phone number you call to have a conversation with someone who can provide support during hard times. Whether you’re in crisis or just need someone to talk to, a warmline can help. Warmlines are staffed by trained peers who have been through their own mental health struggles and know what it’s like to need help.

Warmlines are free and confidential.

Crisis Text Line  Text HOME to 741741

Veterans Crisis Line – 988 then press 1

Military Helpline  (888) 457-4838. 

IMALIVE is a program of the Kristin Brooks Hope Center (KBHC), a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization. Their focus is suicide intervention, prevention, awareness, and education.  Here is a link to their online chat.

Thank you for reading.

To a life full of so much gratitude that your thoughts like focusing on the good stuff,

Francesca

P.S. Hugs.