People of Reddit who have seriously considered suicide or are severely depressed, what have people done to help you that has worked? What would you have liked people to do/say or not do/say?

I wanted nothing more than for someone to reach out and just say "I'm here for you." Everyone knew I was depressed. Everyone knew and yet they did nothing. They pushed it off and for that it made my depression worse.

I was left alone to my mind. I was left rethinking everything over and over again and it was like fuel to a fire. It made my demons grow stronger and stronger each day. Each day I grew weaker and weaker.

I didn't want something big I didn't want someone boo hooing and proclaiming their love. I didn't want a family gathering saying they were with me through this. No. I just wanted someone to simply say "Hey when you feel like you need to cry don't run to a pillow run to me. When you feel like running to a gun, razor, rope, or pills don't. Run to me. Run to me with anything." That was all I needed. I just simply needed someone to say "It's okay. You aren't alone."

Nothing every helped though. I went to counseling, that was a bust. I never talked. I refused to take pills to help. I tried writing my thoughts but that never helped either. What did help? Something so small and something so stupid.

A smile.

From anyone. I didn't care but when I locked eyes with someone or someone was passing me and they quickly smiled it made me feel less alone. I don't know why it did but it did and it is something so small that created the biggest change in my life.

I thought if they have the time to quickly smile when you can tell their running late or you can tell their mind is working 100 mph then I most be worth it. I must be worth something for someone to do a quick smile. It's true that a smile can go a long way. It can change someones day and maybe even their life.

Now whenever I'm out and I lock eyes with someone or quickly pass someone I always smile. Sometimes I say a friendly hello but it's mostly a smile. Many times someone can be looking so mad and I smile at them and they can look at me like "F off" only to stop and smile.

If you know someone is going through depression don't leave them alone. Keep their mind busy. Let them talk but don't push. Let them know they aren't alone. Tell them if you have to. Tell them you are there for them. Most of all never ever say "Get over it." or "Fake it." You're a jerk if you do that.

If only you knew how hard it is to keep climbing out a hole that is constantly getting deeper and deeper. If only you knew they fake it to much and sometimes they just need someone to let them rant and vent.

/r/AskReddit Thread