This is tragic.

If you feel anxious, lonely, scared, or depressed--especially during #COVID19, you're not alone.

It is hard to ask for help. But it is ok to reach out; it can & will get better.

I’ve been there. Sometimes I still struggle. I have therapy on Skype tomorrow. 1/ https://twitter.com/AlexHortonTX/status/1245401834593886208

If you feel like you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911 (or your country's emergency line below) to get immediate help. Don't wait.

Explain it is a psychiatric emergency & ask for someone who is trained for these kinds of situations. 2/
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_suicide_crisis_lines

Even if there isn’t immediate danger, you can call/text a crisis hotline if you don’t know where to turn.

The US National Suicide Prevention Hotline is 1-800-273-8255. Add it to your contacts list & bookmark the link below so you won’t have to dig. 3/ https://www.cnet.com/news/suicide-hotlines-crisis-hotlines-to-call-or-text-when-you-need-help/

If you don't like the phone or you don't have privacy or you just want to text instead of call:

text HOME to 741741 and you can connect with a Crisis Counselor 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 4/

I’ve been suicidal. I have severe depression and PTSD. I take medication for anxiety, depression, and nightmares. But I’m learning learning to manage it and live a fuller life again.

My only real regret is that I didn’t get help sooner. Don;t make the same mistake. 5/

You may think you shouldn’t get help because you don’t have it as bad as someone else. That’s a lie. Don’t believe it.

Maybe you haven’t experienced combat, sexual assault, or relationship trauma, but depression, anxiety & #mentalhealth are complex and different for everyone. 6/

Maybe you’re scared about the consequences for your job or security clearance. Your life & the people you care about are more important.

But not getting help might put you more at risk. You can always ask questions when you seek treatment & set ground rules before you talk. 7/

If you're caring for someone in crisis, you are not responsible for their life or their mental health. That can be hard to accept, but it’s true.

Do what you can to make sure they’re not in immediate danger and seek professional help if you’re not trained for it. 8/

Remove or lock up any firearms or weapons immediately. Take away their keys and stop them from driving. Try not to leave them alone.

Don't bargain with someone who is suicidal, but keep them talking and listen. Stay with them until help arrives. 9/

If you’re worried about someone, ask directly whether they have a plan to kill themself. It won’t increase the risk of suicide. Talking openly, listening w/out judgment, & letting them know you care can help.

Asking is scary and feels uncomfortable, but it is better to ask. 10/

Depression and other mental health issues that lead to suicide are illnesses that often lead to isolation.

Knowing people cared about me was the thing that helped walk me back but there was nothing my wife or kids could have said that would’ve “fixed” it. I needed treatment. 11/

We’ve all got our own issues, and #COVID19 can make us feel alone, afraid, & isolated.

But @ArmyChiefStaff is right: social distancing doesn't have to lead to social isolation.

Check on friends and loved ones via text, DM, Skype, or whatever works. 12/ https://twitter.com/ArmyChiefStaff/status/1244757798170185728?s=20

And don’t be afraid to seek help.

You're not alone. Others feel just like you do right now and it doesn’t have to be this way.

It may not seem like it, but people will understand.

If you need to talk to someone, reach out. Seek help. It can get better, and we need you. 13/13