Suicide prevention

Taking a break from my logo project today to talk about mental health, something that is very close to my heart, as I suffer from anxiety and depression. After the deaths of two prominent figures it has me thinking about how we never really know what demons people are fighting in their own minds. Seemingly “perfect” lives and yet they decided to end their lives and the suffering that they were going through. To reach that decision you must feel like there is no other way. It also makes me think about the countless nameless people that make this decision every single day. It’s incredibly saddening. People say, “talk to someone if you feel depressed, if you’re thinking of suicide, just call this number or reach out”, and for the most part, that is good advice. But some days it’s just not that easy. There have been days when my depression has me really sad, where I’ve felt isolated and knew I should talk to someone but didn’t or couldn’t. Sometimes this voice tells you not to bother anyone with your petty problems or not to be a “downer” so you just stay paralysed in your depression. You don’t know how to reach out. What I think would help even more than just telling people who are suicidal and depressed to call someone is for people who aren’t depressed to reach out to them. Get involved. Do you have a friend who suffers from depression? Talk to them. Haven’t heard from a friend or family member in a while? Talk to them. Noticed a friend’s self-esteem is low. Talk to them. Even your strong friends. TALK. TO. THEM. For some people I understand that depression is a hard thing to bring up and talk about. I want to help, so I made this image as an easier way to say “Let’s talk”. Please feel free to take it, use it and share it with your loved ones. Tell them you found this and it made you think of them, whatever you say just start a dialogue. #takethetime✌️❤️🙏