Depression is real. It is real and it is dangerous and it doesn't matter who you are or where you come from or what you're doing with your life.

Just because someone looks happy or is acting totally normal doesn't mean that they are okay.  Just because they smiled to your face does not mean they're not frowning in the mirror.

Often times, those who kill themselves are the ones we'd least expect to.

Check in on your peers every once in a while. Make sure they're okay. And be nice to everyone you meet because you never know what they may be going through behind closed doors.

And if you are suffering from depression and or thoughts of suicide or self harm, please don't hesitate to reach out to someone. Confide in someone. Anyone. A therapist, a counselor, a friend, a parent, a total stranger on the internet. You can come to me if you want.

I've been through it all. The depression, the suicide attempts, dying, coming back to life, the drugs, drinking, cutting, punching, the abuse, the abusing, abandonment, bullying, fuck man I've been through it all. Trust me when I say it's okay to not be okay...and it gets better.

In fact, this story is very personal for me because drowning has always been my go-to method. I wrote it exactly the way it goes in my head. This is the one attempt that I never tried because I luckily got help. Jimin is me essentially.

Here's the biggest thing: killing yourself is never, ever the answer. It doesn't end your suffering, I promise. It just makes it all worse. Every bit of it.

Do you love the important people in your life?  Yes?  Then you should love yourself, too.

You are important. Your life is important. Your health is important. Your feelings are important. Your existence is important. You are important. So it only makes sense that you must love yourself as well.

And to everyone who as ever lost somebody, stay strong. It hurts. It hurts for a long time. It never stops hurting, really. It hurts less over time but the pain never leaves. You just...get used to it.

Anyone who is grieving needs to know all of your emotions are valid. Everything you are feeling about your loss is completely valid. Don't let anyone take your feelings away from you. Ever.

And its not your fault. Unless you literally, intentionally textbook murdered somebody, it's never your fault. Don't blame yourself. Blame anyone else, those feelings are valid, too. But don't hold it against yourself.

Love yourself.
Love everybody else.
You're not alone.
Stay strong.

-HH