It’s not the smile you see everyday. Neither is it the well-covered perkiness in their voice. It certainly can’t be their countenance because they ‘look’ happy.

No.

It’s the invisible mask we have to wear everyday so that no one will see the darkness that lies beneath.

We have to cover up our issues because no one can understand what it’s like having thoughts of torment from the pain that can’t seem to go away from being molested. We have to pretend like we got it all together because who wants to deal with someone who is falling apart on the inside? We have to hide behind our smile because that’s the only way we can defend ourselves from anyone detecting that depression is eating away at our soul. We have to act perky and happy because we’re one stressful situation away from killing ourselves.

But if you looked a little deeper, you can actually see that……

We avoid intimate conversations because it means we have to reveal our pain. We’re afraid that after showing it, you may not see us the same way. Ever. We love it because it’s the only comfort we know. We don’t need anyone calling us a ‘drama queen’ or telling us to stop playing the victim role. We can’t be transparent because we have an image to live up to. Who’s gonna take us serious anymore if we let our guard down and tell you we’re weak and we’re about to break into a million pieces? Our pride is the cheap glue that’s holding our broken emotions together. Our smile is our way of silently screaming for you to ask if we’re really ok. It’s also our defense mechanism to keep you from really knowing the truth about how depressed we really are. If you only knew how depressed we were, you would label us as crazy. We’re afraid of ‘killing your vibe’ with how we actually feel. So instead, we smile and pretend like everything is ok. You know that anxious feeling that can cripple you? Yeah, I didn’t think you did. Every time we have an attack, we have to hide it in fear of being seen as a freak show. What you don’t know is that this costume of perkiness we wear is to shield you from the suicidal thoughts we have day in and day out. Our happiness is as fake as a knock-off Gucci purse. We stay to ourselves because isolation is our only friend. It tells us that we’ll be better off without existing. People don’t need us and they hate us. It tells us that we can leave this life of pain and enjoy the freedom we can have without living.

This is the fear and reality we live in everyday; the stigma of mental illness.

Millions of Americans suffer from some type of mental issue. And even though there are many that do, the judgment that comes from having it keeps them away from getting the help they need. So instead of being open about it, they hide it or remain in denial. The stigma is VERY real and bringing awareness to mental health and and illness is greatly needed. Learning the signs, showing support and being genuine and compassionate about someone’s mental welfare makes the difference. The more we talk about it without judgment or criticism, the more people will be willing to find ways of overcoming it.

Mental Health does matter. And you are not alone.

September is Suicide Prevention Month but it shouldn’t stop there. Start the conversation about suicide and depression. There’s no shame in it and there is help.

If you or anyone needs immediate help and need someone to talk to, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-(800) 273-8255 (TALK) or text HOME at 741741.

There is Life is committed to spreading awareness of suicide prevention and depression through the love of Christ. We are here to encourage and support those that battle it by showing that there is hope in healing. We also have a quarterly support session called “Purposed to Overcome.” We offer a non-judgmental atmosphere through testimonies and sharing both spiritual and practical ways of overcoming depression in Christ. Jesus came that you may have life and so much more of it by healing both your physical and emotional wounds.

“There is Life in the Power of Christ.”

For more information about our foundation, please call us at (706) 393-8725 or email us at thereislifeinyou@gmail.com