It's nice to know that people care.
The internet can be such a dark place at times, but posts like these are refreshing reminders that empathy still exists.
On another note, I understand that for many contacting hotlines can be difficult. You don't want the attention, you don't want to be sectioned and sent to a hospital, you don't want to be a "loony" or a "kook" or a "schizo" and you certainly don't want some stranger knowing what you're going through. But I can tell you one thing: it helps.
In my experiences both as a patient and working in and out of young adult clinics in my area, I can tell you that seeking help very rarely leaves you worse off than where you started. There is no shame in getting help. Even most psychologists, therapists, etc have their own systems and resources in place. We all carry baggage. We are all entitled to carry that baggage, and to once in a while be able to set it down, or to have the aid and empathy of others in doing so. There's no reason anyone should be dehumanized because of a struggle beyond their control.
Mental health is no joke. And certainly with the boom in the internet and social media we've seen things get worse. But there are always those among us -- and sometimes the most empathetic are the ones you least expected to be -- that are willing to extend help and to offer you a kind source of kinship, understanding, and optimism.
Thank you for this thread. I really mean it.