Let's Talk
Mental health is an essential part of our well-being, yet for so many, it’s whispered about or hidden altogether. If you broke your arm, you’d go to a doctor. If you caught a cold, you’d tell your friends. But when it comes to depression, anxiety, or thoughts of suicide… most of us stay silent.
You don’t have to.
Therdune exists to help start the conversation, to make mental health something we talk about openly, without shame.
Recognizing When You Might Need Help
Mental health struggles can look different for everyone, but here are some common signs:
- Persistent sadness or hopelessness
- Overwhelming anxiety or panic
- Major changes in sleep, appetite, or energy
- Loss of interest in things you love
- Trouble focusing or making decisions
- Thoughts of suicide or self-harm
If any of these sound familiar, it matters. You matter. And reaching out is a real, valid option.
First Steps: Things You Can Try
Before seeing a professional, self-help can help ground you:
- Learn: Understanding symptoms can help you name what’s happening.
- Mindfulness: Meditation and grounding can ease anxiety.
- Move: Walk, stretch, breathe - movement helps.
- Journal: Putting thoughts to paper can bring clarity.
- Reach out: Talk to someone you trust.
- Set boundaries: It’s okay to say no.
These steps won’t solve everything, but they can be a start.
Professional Help Is Real Help
Just like a broken bone, some things require professional care. Therapists, psychologists, psychiatrists, counselors, and peer support specialists exist to help, not to judge. Finding the right fit can take time. But you deserve to find it. Telehealth has also made therapy more accessible than ever, from home, and on your terms.
A Personal Note
I’ve lived with depression for most of my life. For years, I refused to believe I could be “one of those people” who needed help. The stigma was louder than the truth. Eventually, everything built up. I admitted to my family, that I was depressed. To my surprise, they weren’t shocked. They were supportive. When I was finally diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder, it didn’t destroy me.
It gave my monster a name.
Suddenly, I realized I wasn’t broken, just human. What I carried had a name, treatment, research, and hope behind it. It didn’t define me. It was just one part of my story. Asking for help was the bravest thing I’ve ever done. I know how terrifying it can be to say those words out loud. But you are not broken. You are not alone.
And you don’t have to fight this battle in silence.
One day, I hope you’ll let someone help you name your monster. I hope it feels as freeing for you as it did for me.
All these monsters have names.
But you’re still you.
Stay awhile. You matter.
— Jesse
Therdune Clothing
Free Mental Health Assessment
Mental Health America recognizes the significance of accessible and prompt mental health support for individuals experiencing potential symptoms of mental health conditions. To aid in this effort, MHA offers free mental health screenings. Through awareness, support, and appropriate interventions, we can work together to build a more compassionate and mentally healthy world for everyone.
Additional Resources
-
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
988lifeline.orgCall 988
The 988 Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in the United States. -
Crisis Text Line
crisistextline.orgText HOME to 741741 from anywhere in the United States, anytime. Crisis Text Line is here for any crisis. A live, trained Crisis Counselor receives the text and responds, all from our secure online platform. The volunteer Crisis Counselor will help you move from a hot moment to a cool moment.
-
Trevor Project Lifeline
thetrevorproject.orgCall 1-866-488-7368
Text ‘START’ to 678-678
Or chat online
Trained counselors that understand the challenges LGBTQ people face.