How to help a depressed person

A few years ago I was diagnosed with severe clinical depression. I didn't know why I was so depressed but it took me to a dark place that I didn't know existed. I started cutting, stopped talking and interacting with people, and lost my will to live. In that dark place I reached out to my sister and asked for guidance. She told me to seek professional help and gave me this: A bright box.

On the top of this box was this poem she wrote for me.

Inside she put dozens of envelopes and small gifts all titled something like, "Open when you are in too much pain to get out of bed" or "Open if you can't remember how awesome you are."

This envelope was titled " Open when you need to feel loved." My niece and nephew are the loves of my life so this one especially helped.

This one, "Open if you need a dose of happy." A drawing from my niece.

I did get medical treatment and now feel like a new person but on my darkest days, the time and effort my sister put into this box made my world a little bit brighter.

I think she deserves some recognition for being such an incredible person.

Thank you for reading my story and to those of you who are struggling with depression, it might seem like there is no light at the end of the tunnel but I promise you there are reasons to wake up another day. Don't be afraid to ask for help. Don't be afraid to talk to people who love you. It gets better <3

FP Edit: Thank you all for the outpouring of support. I know it is customary to ask for something if you reach FP so please head over to my sister Sarah's profile @Belikeschwa and wish her a happy birthday! She is truly an amazing person and deserves some birthday love.