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On #WorldSuicidePreventionDay 
, here's a list of simple steps to take if you *really* care about mental health (because posting Instagram stories isn't enough)
#Thread
, here's a list of simple steps to take if you *really* care about mental health (because posting Instagram stories isn't enough)#Thread
1/ Stop labelling people.
Calling people names based on their appearance, weight, skin tone, examination marks, religion, community, gender or sexuality really affects people.
Calling people names based on their appearance, weight, skin tone, examination marks, religion, community, gender or sexuality really affects people.
2/ Don't be quick to judge or gossip about someone.
Behind the things we know about a person is a life that we know nothing about. Everyone is going through their own struggles, don't reduce their lives to gossip.
Behind the things we know about a person is a life that we know nothing about. Everyone is going through their own struggles, don't reduce their lives to gossip.
3/ Think before you troll or leave a hate comment online.
It's very easy to say mean things online because you don't have to confront their feelings in person, but that doesn't absolve you of the blame. Also, being unkind isn't cool.
It's very easy to say mean things online because you don't have to confront their feelings in person, but that doesn't absolve you of the blame. Also, being unkind isn't cool.
4/ Avoid giving casual advice on serious issues.
Don't use phrases like 'Try being happy', 'It's all in your head' or 'It's nothing, you'll be fine.'
Mental health issues can be serious and require professional help to heal.
Don't use phrases like 'Try being happy', 'It's all in your head' or 'It's nothing, you'll be fine.'
Mental health issues can be serious and require professional help to heal.
5/ Don't trivialize terms like 'depression' and 'anxiety'.
These are clinical, medically diagnosable issues that can have a range of effects on people - and we need to be as empathetic and understanding as we can while discussing them.
These are clinical, medically diagnosable issues that can have a range of effects on people - and we need to be as empathetic and understanding as we can while discussing them.
6/ Listen more.
We live in a world where everyone has something to say, but there is noone to listen. Not everyone wants your advice or solutions, sometimes people just want to be heard.
We live in a world where everyone has something to say, but there is noone to listen. Not everyone wants your advice or solutions, sometimes people just want to be heard.
7/ Be better at being there for people.
Don't stretch yourself thin for other people if you don't really have the time or bandwidth, but when you do, and when someone reaches out to you, support them and *really* be there for them.
Don't stretch yourself thin for other people if you don't really have the time or bandwidth, but when you do, and when someone reaches out to you, support them and *really* be there for them.
8/ Be kind, always.
We are collectively going through the toughest time in living memory. Be kind to yourself, be kind to others, just please be kind. There are enough assholes in the world.
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We are collectively going through the toughest time in living memory. Be kind to yourself, be kind to others, just please be kind. There are enough assholes in the world.
#EndThread
