Helping others who are suffering
Hey guys, so I'm new to these forum things so let me know if I'm not doing this right :)
I am now 23, and I have been dealing with my depression for about 8 years now, and many people say it gets better over time, but I found that it doesn't, but somehow you get stronger. I still battle with my own demons, but I have ways in which I can push myself to live. As much as I struggle, I push myself to live and embrace life as one day we will die anyway. I do depend on 7 cups to help me when I feel I can't handle it on my own as I do not have an emotional support system. I come from a place that doesn't take mental health seriously, and this is where I want to help people. Over the past year, there has been so much suicide in our community yet I find that in our society, people find something to blame it on like drugs or alcohol or an ex-partner. But, I feel like there's more. Society doesn't want to accept the reality of people who go through mental struggles and can't handle it on their own and end up taking their lives because they feel like they are crazy or that they have no one. And this makes me so upset and incedibly sad. Because i know how it feels, and i just want young people going through this to know there is another option, but here's my problem, i don't know how i can help. I need advice on ways i can use what I know to help others. So can anyone just help give me ideas.
@missmistyeyed I don't really know of any places you can help, but I love what you are trying to do and think it's so necessary.
From my own perspective as someone who has been struggling with depression for years, and has just now started to admit it and come to terms with it, I think about all the resources I explore frequently: websites like themighty.com, mental health podcasts like Mentally Ch(ill), and blogs - lots and lots of blogs (and social media accounts, especially on Twitter) from other people who are suffering and willing to share their stories. All of these resources have been so helpful to me and have helped me to understand that I'm not as crazy as I feel, and that other people are going through the same thing.
Maybe you could do something like that?
The other thing you might want to consider is getting in touch with a local middle or high school and maybe offering to speak and share your story there? Or even volunteer as a mentor if they do that kind of thing? I am a teacher and I can tell you first hand there is a HUGE need to create awareness and understanding with kids this age, as well as the teachers.
Let us know what you end up deciding to do, if anything... and I am always here to help you with your own struggles as well! 
@igoback622 thank you for your response.
I was considering starting up a website (I'm a graphic & web designer) and see how I can share it and my story anonymously. I'm not exactly comfortable with public speaking or letting people close to me know about my story, so I'm trying to figure this out. Thank you again. It was so good to read that someone thought this was a good idea because my parents and few friends said its a silly idea, that people like that can't be helped
... and that's so wrong.
@missmistyeyed I don't blame you for wanting to keep it anonymous. I have thought several times about doing something similar, but I always back down at the thought of being found out. Whatever you do to try to help, I'm sure it will be greatly appreciated. 
Hey guys, so I decided to tell my partner about what I'm planning to do. And he says he will support my decision but he's concerned that helping other people with their problems would make my own problems worse. Is this something I should be concerned about? He's aware of my depression and but he doesn't really know how to deal with me so I don't get him involved, I try and deal with my problems on my own. And I guess I'm still alive so it's working fine so far.
But now I'm thinking that maybe that's why he doesn't like to get involved with my issues, that he's worried that it will affect him. It makes me feel so confused. I found a depression and suicide group that's looking for volunteers but now I'm doubting my capability to help anyone
@missmistyeyed Personally, I have found helping others to be very enjoyable and therapeutic. I guess I can't say for sure how it would affect you, but it's worth a shot! Remember, when you are helping others, you are focusing on their issues, not your own, so if anything I would think it would take your mind off of your own problems.
