Reminder to everyone that May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and please know that people with mental health issues ARE NOT faking it. We are not making up these feelings for attention or anything else. Asking if we are—even as a joke—can lead us to believe we don’t deserve help. In fact, many of the people who are struggling the most are the ones who are the best at hiding it.
Sometimes asking someone how they are doing isn’t enough. You can’t just expect someone to tell you everything the moment you ask—especially if they’re used to hiding. Please don’t get mad if they lie or don’t tell you the full truth; instead, offer to help. Sometimes just knowing someone actually cares is enough, and hopefully someday they’ll open up to you. Until then, prove they can trust you by being there, even if it’s just the little things.
And for the people who are struggling: you aren’t alone. I know it can feel that way, but know that people care. I care. And I hope you can see the people around you do too. You don’t always have to cover your pain with fake smiles, and asking for help does not mean you are weak.
My story
I am 12 and have been struggling with depression, anxiety, imposter syndrome… the list goes on. Many people don’t believe me because “I’m so young” and “I have no idea what older people have to deal with every day”. I’ve been struggling with SH and thought of ending it all, but I’m still hopeful about the future. I finally told my big brother (not biological/chosen family ig?) and he’s helped me so much. I’m not perfect, but I’ve gone from SHing multiple time a day to only a couple time a month.
I hope all of you have someone in your life you can turn to when you’re down, and if you don’t yet, let me know and I will try my best to help. I know there are plenty of people in this community who would love to help out as well.
I love you guys, thanks for listening to my rant <3
-Kiwi
