I don’t think some parents can accept that their kid is depressed. Some parents think if their kid is depressed it is a reflection of themselves and they failed in some way.

But there’s so many heavy, depressing external factors that young people deal with that their parents generation never dealt with. I feel like to be 24 and not at least mildly depressed (or pessimistic) means someone is in denial of reality.

I get the impression from this very small amount of information that she may not be able to fully relate to what you’re feeling. But I like that she said she occasionally feels depressed too. I’ve met people that couldn’t comprehend feeling general sadness. “You don’t have any reason to be down” kind of mentality.

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I dunno what to say.

There’s a lot of expectations around holidays. TV and family tell you what you’re supposed to act like and feel like. But it’s unrealistic.

My family does Christmas. On paper, I really like it. But some years I feel it, and some years I don’t.

If you’re depressed and you’ve got stuff weighing you down, it’s gonna weigh you down on a holiday, just like any other day.

I hope you feel better soon. Happy New Year.

Hey man, happy lunar new year. Why don’t you make a habit of taking a walk in the park, since you felt good about it earlier? Try to do it regularly, it’s good for you to get out to a relaxing space. If you like dogs you should get a dog. It’ll make you get out even if you don’t want to, plus they’re adorable and give unconditional love.

I didn’t always get along with my mom growing up, but our relationship massively improved once I moved out. My sister butts heads with her way more than I ever did, and they’re much more similar people. I’m much more like my dad and we get along great. Can’t wait to see them this weekend. 🧋🧧🧨

Which year is it now? Animal-wise, that is.

Hey. I’m here for you, and I understand. Depression is scary and hard and confusing, and very hard to explain to somebody who “feels depressed sometimes”. Getting fresh air is really good at clearing your mind and helping you reset. Showering and drinking a glass of ice water also helps me. Try to find safe things to feel or put your hands in, because the sensory and touch are very important, and they help you ground yourself. If you don’t have any ideas, here’s some exercises you could do when you start feeling dysregulated or find yourself dissociating.

• -Fill a medium bowl of rice and put your hands in. Notice how it feels, what the temperature of the rice is (You can heat it up for 15-20 seconds if you’d like) and what emotions you are feeling at the moment. I highly recommend that you record your feelings and thoughts in a journal, along with the day, time, weather, and what activity you were doing.

• -Draw or write what you are feeling, what you hate, your trauma (if any), or a person you dislike. Find a safe place outside and clear it of leaves and twigs. Get a bowl or large cup of water beside you, just in case something goes wrong. Crumple the paper into a ball, and place it on the ground. Light it. From the safe distance, sit on the ground and close your eyes. Just listen to the sounds around you. Once you are done with this activity, pour water on the paper and cover it with a bowl, so no extra oxygen can get to the fire and potentially light it. (Op. Write in your journal during/after you’re done.)

• -Paint or draw to music.

• -Find 5 things you see, 4 things you hear, 3 things you feel, 2 things you smell, and 1 thing you taste.

• -Bury your bare feet in fresh soil and pretend you are a tree. Imagine the things that happened to you (or your trauma) as storm clouds. Remember the time when the bad thing happened, and imagine that as a big storm. Imagine yourself now, as a tree, and raise your arms up like you are growing.

You got this. I believe in you!