Episode 1 - Season 4 - 10 things I wish my parents knew about my depression
Say Hello Save a Life - A Podcast About Teenage Mental Health, Depression And SuicideShow Notes
1. I feel so guilty for hurting you and being a “problem.”
I’ve seen the pain on your face. I know I’ve hurt you, and I know I’ve caused you extra work and stress. I sometimes feel guilty and selfish for being depressed. Just remind me you love me and that even if I create extra problems for you, I’m worth it.
2. Sometimes I don’t know what’s wrong.
Feeling down can come on whenever — it’s unpredictable. I don’t always know what causes it, and if I don’t know how am I supposed to tell you? Please stop asking me to try and figure it out.
3. Don’t try to fix all my problems for me.
I know I have problems, but it’s a victory when I overcome them. You can help me if I ask, and hug me when those problems get to be too much, but no one can fix another person’s problems. I need to be able to do that myself. Just be there for me.
4. Other teens can be cruel.
Whether they don’t understand my depression or they just don’t care, when they exclude or bully me it hurts. Be the person I can run to and who will love me no matter what.
5. Don’t be ashamed of my depression and try to hide it from the rest of the family
Yes, I have depression. Don’t try to hide it from the family. No family is perfect, and when you try to hide my depression you’re telling me this is something I should be ashamed of. Depression is a mental illness. You don’t hide it when I have the flu, so don’t hide it when I have a “mental flu.”
6. Sometimes I fake being sick because I feel mentally unwell and I’m afraid you won’t understand.
When I’m feeling down I don’t want to go to school or do other social activities. I’m hurting too much inside to try being happy while trying not to have a breakdown in public. The best thing for me is talking to someone who will listen, or doing a fun activity that doesn’t involve being around a lot of other people.
7. I get mad at myself for not having the energy and motivation to do the things you want me to do.
Doing certain activities and chores takes a lot more concentration and motivation when I’m dealing with depression. Things that used to be simple and fun now take a lot of energy and more time. When I know I have a lot to get done, it stresses me out and makes me feel more down.
8. Don’t ask me what I talked about with my counselor.
It’s important to be able to talk to someone outside of our family and my social life. Don’t be offended when I don’t talk to you and talk to a counselor instead. Family and parents play a big part in my life, so I need to talk to someone else about those things. There’s a reason the sessions are private.
9. When I need breaks from family, please don’t be offended.
Like any relationship, families are hard work. Being around them every day can get challenging. Having breaks, like a few days away, gives me some peace. I don’t love you any less, but if stuff is stressful at home things start to build up. Having a short time away gives me time to clear my head and think things over.
10. Depression comes and goes. If I seem happy, it might not mean I’m “better.”
Some days are better than others, so even when I seem happy, be there for me.
More from Say Hello Save a Life - A Podcast About Teenage Mental Health, Depression And Suicide
This episode was created with the loving help of our Vice President and JJs mom Michelle Anderson. Thank you.
Welcometo the Say Hello Save a Life Podcast, where we talk about mentalhealth, well-being, and how we can help each other navigate the ups and downsof life as teens. I’m your host Josh Anderson Sr, and today, we’re discussing areally important topic—how teens can help each other with mental healthstruggles and prevent suicide. It’s a tough subject, but it’s also a vital one.We’ll go over signs to look out for, how to support a friend who’s struggling,and some simple steps we can all take to make sure no one has to face theirchallenges alone.
I wish my teacher knew Every Student Has a Story. Every Teacher Can Make a Difference. Imagine if one simple note card could change a child's life.Too many students walk into the classroom carrying burdens no one can see—anxiety, bullying, family struggles, loneliness, grief, or thoughts they don't know how to express.That's why JJ's Hello Foundation created the "I Wish My Teacher Knew" program.This initiative gives students a safe, private way to share what they're experiencing with a trusted teacher, opening the door for meaningful conversations, early intervention, and hope. Sometimes the words "I wish my teacher knew..." are the first step toward getting the help a child needs.Your donation helps us provide: "I Wish My Teacher Knew" classroom kits Student note cards Classroom collection boxes Program implementation for schools Teacher resources and support More opportunities for students to feel seen, heard, and valuedEvery dollar helps us bring this life-changing program to more classrooms and more communities.Together, we can ensure that no child feels like they're facing life's challenges alone. Please consider making a donation today and help us expand the "I Wish My Teacher Knew" program into the communities we serve. Donate today: www.hellofund.org/donations Learn more: www.hellofund.orgBecause sometimes, all it takes is one teacher... and one chance to say, "I wish my teacher knew."
Welcome to Say Hello Save a Life Podcast, where we discusscritical topics that impact our communities. Today, we're diving into one ofthe most pressing issues facing young people—mental health and suicideprevention. This episode aims to provide parents with the knowledge, tools, andresources to support their children and foster open conversations about mentalwell-being.
Resources for parents and youth