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Lowenna Waters
Jun 09, 2018
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PeopleImages / iStock by Getty
People are sharing the times someone else kept them going through their depression - and the results are powerful.
Last week, two high profile celebrities reportedly took their own lives after suffering from depression.
Yesterday, Anthony Bourdain, the celebrity chef, was found dead in a hotel room in Strasbourg, France, where he had been working on an upcoming episode of his programme Parts Unknown.
On June 5th, fashion designer Kate Spade was found unresponsive in her New York apartment after an apparent suicide. She was only 55 years of age.
In response, Twitter user Ana Marie Cox asked people to share stories of times that other people's kindness has helped to get them through a deep depression.
Once in the midst of a major depression, I was crying (I thought softly) to myself on the F train; it was crowded.… https://t.co/Z78xnw6NWl— take care of yourself (@take care of yourself) 1528464862
The response she got was incredible.
This happened to me once. An older woman tucked a pack of tissues into my hand as she shuffled off the train. I sti… https://t.co/WK4XgUS3Ci— Daisy "Murder, She Wrote enthusiast" Rosario (@Daisy "Murder, She Wrote enthusiast" Rosario) 1528469033
Once, after a terrible episode in a slowly unfolding tragedy, I stopped by Chipotle for lunch. Manager looked at my… https://t.co/7gAXS3Xvjl— Peter Sagal (@Peter Sagal) 1528465033
My depression got very bad in 2013 & I could barely drag myself out of my dorm most days. let alone across campus t… https://t.co/G3BuGa37cS— Tiffany Pitcock ✨✨✨ (@Tiffany Pitcock ✨✨✨) 1528465849
@anamariecox I work in a school, I am a below knee amputee. The school where I work is Grades 7 and 8. Some days my… https://t.co/Yi6hYIrpWI— Brian Conley (@Brian Conley) 1528469696
During one of my suicidal periods in my life, I went into my office and one of my DV/SV clients had left me a post-… https://t.co/DO41vlQT07— FireBrand (@FireBrand) 1528469986
I was at a very low point in the mid 2000’s. I’d isolated myself; wasn’t responding to anyone. My dear friend… https://t.co/8S5mKBkojx— Chely Wright (@Chely Wright) 1528465621
@anamariecox I actually did call the Suicide Lifeline. I poured my heart out, I cried harder than ever in my life.… https://t.co/WlFXASiAcp— heathen king (@heathen king) 1528465003
After reading the powerful stories, Ana Marie noticed a theme, they all started with the simple three words, "are you ok?" Writing to her 1.3million followers, she said:
It is amazing how many of these stories turn on someone simply asking with sincerity, "are you ok?" That one question -- three short words! -- can cross an abyss.
It is amazing how many of these stories turn on someone simply asking with sincerity, "are you ok?" That one questi… https://t.co/lKfQbZBLiz— take care of yourself (@take care of yourself) 1528467034
After people asked whether others were ok, she then noticed how important it was for those with depression to answer honestly.
The other half of these stories is just as important: when that someone sincerely asked, "Are you ok?," the person in pain answered honestly.
Everyone can be that person that asks--you can also be that person that answers. We need you both in this world.
The other half of these stories is just as important: when that someone sincerely asked, "Are you ok?," the person… https://t.co/TxHvXLEvGB— take care of yourself (@take care of yourself) 1528468528
She then finished the thread by imploring people to help other people if they think they might be struggling.
Call a friend you haven't seen in awhile?
Buy lunch for the person behind you in line?
Give to a charity, do a chore for a loved one... Smile on the street.
Just be present in the next meeting you're in.
Service is everywhere.
Call a friend you haven't seen in awhile? Buy lunch for the person behind you in line? Give to a charity, do a chor… https://t.co/WWypCFTo0J— take care of yourself (@take care of yourself) 1528469794
​If you have been affected by this article, you can contact the following organisations for support:
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