If you break your arm, you get the bone set and a cast. If you have a heart condition, you make some lifestyle changes and go on the appropriate medication. If you have cancer, you go through the appropriate treatment, draw your friends and family close for support, and fight like a son-of-a-bitch. So if you’re depressed, anxious, have trouble concentrating, or whatever, go see a doctor. You’re not broken, you’re sick.
If you know somebody that says that they’re having a hard time, remember that just because they seem functional doesn’t mean that they aren’t struggling really hard. If you have the emotional bandwidth to offer them some support, do it. They’re not broken, they’re sick.
If you or someone you know is in crisis and needs immediate assistance, go to the nearest hospital or call 911.
If you live in Canada and are looking for non-urgent help, please contact your local office of the Canadian Mental Health Association. Check your local phone book, or visit: http://www.cmha.ca/mental-health/find-help/.
If you’re in the United States, visit http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/find-help/index.shtml.
If you’re somewhere else in the world, Google “mental health resources near me”.