mental health, stan twitter, and how many of you have no idea what you are talking about: a thread

tw// suicide, depression, self-harm, PTSD, anxiety

my credential to talk about this: A. I double majored in psychology with a lab focused on psychotherapy. B. I have MDD, CPTSD, and Social Anxiety Disorder.

I am forever TIRED of so many of you discussing these issues in absolutes and generalizations. not everyone experiences depression the same. not everyone who is depressed will need the same kind of treatment.

If an idol says they are experiencing clinical depression, this does not mean they are depressed 365 24/7. It does not mean that they are never happy. Depression does not mean = no other emotions.

Do not interpret every post by said idol as a cry for help. Sometimes people will just have a bad mood and it is not a cry for help. If you want to know the REAL signs to look for, read this: https://www.nami.org/learn-more/know-the-warning-signs

If you are genuinely concerned, SEND THEM POSITIVE MESSAGES OF SUPPORT AND LEAVE IT THERE. Do not exacerbate the issue by spamming them asking if they are okay or spamming other members if they are okay. They are people and what they choose to share with us is their choice.

Do not treat idols with depression like glass birds. It is literally one of the worst things when you know someone is tiptoeing around you because they think you are a fragile bird who cannot handle anything.

Conversely, do not make someone identify with their trauma aka STOP MAKING S*LLI AND J*ONG POSTER CHILDREN. They were artists with a full range of life experiences outside of their pain.

Do not go people's celebratory posts to say you're sad and you miss them. There are proper places to mourn. Go to those places.

Do not police the WAY people mourn or celebrate. If you do not want to listen to Story of Light or Poet Artist, you don't have to. But don't get mad at people who do. And don't get mad at people who choose not to.

FINALLY. DO NOT GIVE UNSOLICITED ADVICE. If you or a moot or a oomf is suffering from mental health related issues, encourage them to seek professional help. Do not tell them to just deal with it, do not tell them medication is bad, do not tell them yoga will cure their illness.