The “depression” post (found here if you came across this page from elsewhere) included a lot of complex images with text in them, so the alt descriptions for all of them are below. The headings indicate which image the description is for.
Featured Image Description
A collage of some old Facebook posts & memes about depression.
Top: Kristen Otenti’s post from June 30, 2016. “Ah, there you are, my old friend Depression. I can’t say I missed feeling like nothing I do matters, and that continuing to breathe is pointless. But I do like familiar things, so I guess that’s a plus.”
Middle, left to right:
- Kristen Otenti’s post from November 12, 2020: “Today: *happens* Me:” And a screenshot of Tim Curry from an episode of Psych, where he’s in the car, staring forward through the winshield. The caption is “This makes me want to weep and then die.”
- Kristen Otenti’s post from November 28, 2020: “Life: *keeps happening* Me:” And there’s a screenshot from an old episode of SNL, with Dennis Miller at the Weekend Update desk with his head in his hands, and the green screen image shows that scene, with infinite Dennis Millers with their heads in their hands.
- Image from Boing Boing, May 22, 2016: When you suffer from depression. On the left is the outline of a person, colored in blue and labeled ‘sadness.’ The caption is “What people think I feel.” On the right is the same outline, colored in a pastel rainbow of colors, labeled (from largest portion to smallest): nothing, sadness, self-loathing, anxiety, hopelessness, guilt, isolation. The caption is “What I actually feel.”
Bottom: Onion from Stephen Universe, squinting his eyes and holding a baseball bat menacingly. The caption says, “My depression when things are going too well.”
Facebook Post 1: Here’s What People Get Wrong About Depression
Kristen Otenti’s Facebook post from November 1, 2019: “A good article, but a note about the image: remember that depression looks different in different people. Sure, I exhibit most of these symptoms, but I’m sober, and cope by eating about 3 times as much as the recommended daily caloric intake. Also, my anger doesn’t stem from my depression so much as from traumatic events in my childhood and early adulthood (and from people who are determined to be assholes). And my sleep problems are mostly due to the cold and the fact that I haven’t slept in a grown-up bed in almost five years. So while you can use these symptoms as warning signs, keep context in mind, and don’t make assumptions! When in doubt, talk to someone you’re concerned about.”
The image is headlined “Depression” and subheadlined “Symptoms.” There are icons for isolation, no energy, no concentration, anger, alcohol and drug abuse, sadness, no appetite, sleep problem, thoughts of death, and guilt. There is a sad looking person holding their knees next to the icons. Below is the link to the source article at NAMI.org, “Here’s What People Get Wrong About Depression.”
Facebook Post 2: 8 Ways to Talk to a Suicidal Friend Without Making it Worse
Kristen Otenti’s Facebook post from June 9, 2018. “Personally, I don’t think I’d react well to #1, but the others sound like solid advice, as long as you’re careful about how you speak: if you sound judgy, insincere, or condescending, it’s not going to help. Also, keep in mind that when suicidal, people may have thoughts/voices in their head telling them what you’re saying is a lie. We don’t want to believe the voices, but I think everyone can relate to having a hard time ignoring persistent voices.”
The image is of two white women holding each other, sitting on a log with evergreen trees behind them. The link is to a Cosmopolitan.com article titled, “8 ways to talk to a suicidal friend without making it worse.”
Facebook Post 3: 21 Things People Said That Were Actually Code for “I’m Suicidal.”
Kristen Otenti’s Facebook re-post from May 20, 2018. My caption says, “I’m guilty of using some of these. It can be a little tricky, because alone, many code phrases seem innocuous. Pay attention to how a person is behaving, as well. If they seem “different” (good or bad. God knows I’ve acted cheerful at some of my darkest times) and they’re using code, do what you can for them. Results may vary, because we’re all individuals with different experiences. Sometimes, all it takes is a friendly conversation. Sometimes, professional help is needed. But doing nothing is always the worst option. Don’t be afraid to ask if you don’t know how to help. And please, don’t be afraid to help.”
The original post from the You Rock Foundation, also from May 20, 2018, says, “Oftentimes, when someone is feeling suicidal, they won’t come right out and say it. Some may hint at what they are feeling, hoping others pick up on the clues. Others may use language that means “I’m suicidal” without actually saying the words–because saying them can sometimes make it feel too real, or you might be afraid of how others will react. No matter what reason someone has for using “code words,” it’s important we talk about what kinds of phrases to look out for. Talking about these phrases can help us identify loved ones who are really struggling and get them to the resources and support they need.”
The image is of a light-skinned person with dark hair pulled back and sunglasses on in a red coat. They’re behind a red box with the text, 21 things people said that were actually code for “I’m suicidal.” Underneath is the link to the source article at TheMighty.com.
Happy as a Mother Post
Facebook post by Happy as a Mother from November 8, 2019. In the center is says “Things you should avoid saying to someone struggling with depression” with the handle “@_HappyAsAMother” under it. Around this text are various speech bubbles in different shades of purple. Clockwise from the top, they say,”You don’t look depressed.” “You need to pray more.” “You just need to (insert unhelpful suggestion).” “You’re just tired.” “Aren’t you happy to be a mom?” “Just be positive.” “It could be worse.”
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