NO stigma, NO Shame - Suicide & Mental Illness

12/12/2025

12/12/2025

I got this off The Mighty and thought this would be fantastic gifts for someone you love struggling with anxiety and panic attacks that often go hand in hand with depression and PTSD.

10 Things on My Holiday Wish List as Someone With PTSD

By Jess R•

Last updated: December 9, 2025

I have been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following my experiences with r**e and sexual assault. Every person with PTSD has their own story — many have PTSD from war or other traumatic events, but these are the items I have on my wish list.

1. Heavy blanket

I recently bought myself a heavy blanket and it has become one of my favorite go-to items when I am having a panic attack or just have overwhelming anxiety. There are lots of options for this – you can buy a special weighted blanket or, if you’re on a budget, just find a thick, warm blanket with some weight to it (I got mine at Costco for.

2. Journal and pen

No matter what experience has led to the diagnosis of PTSD, a journal and a pen make an excellent choice for a gift! One of the ways many of us heal is by processing the traumatic event(s), and writing is a safe space to do that.

3. iTunes gift card

Music is so healing, no matter what the cause of PTSD. You could also give me a playlist instead of your favorite music that helps you in times of trouble. Giving me an iTunes gift card allows me to pick out songs that will speak to me, so either option has benefits!

4. A small trinket

This can be any special little item, preferably one that fits in a pocket. Maybe it’s a stone, a small toy or even a piece of jewelry. Anything small that can provide a sensory experience. Grounding is very important when you have flashbacks related to PTSD, so having something in your pocket at all times literally gives you something to hold on to when you feel disconnected from the world around you.

5. A handwritten note

Whether you are on a budget, or just want to give that special person in your life a more personalized gift, a handwritten note telling them that you’re there for them, that you believe in them and that you care about them can really brighten someone’s holiday. Include homemade goodies if you want!

6. Self-soothing items

One of my biggest struggles stemming from my history of r**e and sexual assault is self-harming. As I studied Psychology in undergrad, I learned that sometimes the best response to a craving (like wanting to cut) is the opposite reaction. So, in my case, instead of going through with hurting my body, I take the time to really care for my body. Aromatherapy items, bubble bath, body butter, scented candles, etc. It is often difficult to take care of our bodies when we have gone through something traumatic, so even if they don’t suffer with self-harm, they can still really benefit from this.

7. Fidget toys

A small fidget toy can make a great gift for someone who is living with PTSD. Maybe it’s something to keep at their desk at work, or maybe it’s something to keep on hand in case they become anxious. Either way, these toys can be calming and grounding.

8. Noise-canceling headphones

Noises can be very overwhelming. Noise-canceling headphones help create a mental safe space – whether you’re listening to audio books, meditation guides or your favorite music. You can’t go wrong with these.

9. Home art therapy supplies

Those of us with PTSD often have pain we have trouble communicating with words. Art therapy is a great way to express feelings without having to say anything. This can include grown-up coloring books, painting supplies, charcoals, clay or any medium that can be ther**eutic.

10. YouTube video

This is my favorite option from the list. When I disclosed to a friend (who also has PTSD) what I have experienced and my own diagnosis, he made me a 15-minute-long personal YouTube video telling me that it gets better, that I will be OK. It made me feel special, like I mattered and it served as a reminder to keep going even when it’s difficult. I often go back to that video and re-watch it on my bad days. What a unique way to reach out to someone who is struggling – to offer them h

07/29/2025

07/11/2025

Let this one sink in. It makes sense.

03/17/2025

I thought l would post the most recent depression stats in North America:

As of March 17, 2025, here’s an overview of depression statistics for North America based on available data:

In the United States, depression remains a significant mental health concern. Recent estimates indicate that approximately 8.3% of U.S. adults (around 21 million people) experienced at least one major depressive episode in 2021, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. Gallup data from 2023 suggests this has risen, with 29% of U.S. adults reporting a lifetime diagnosis of depression, and 17.8% currently having or being treated for it. Among adolescents aged 12–17, about 14.7% (3.7 million) had a major depressive episode with severe impairment in 2021. Depression prevalence is notably higher among certain groups, such as young adults (18–29) at 34.3% for lifetime diagnosis, women at 36.7%, and those identifying with multiple races at 13.9% for past-year prevalence.

For Canada, data from Statistics Canada indicates that in 2022, about 6.1% of Canadians aged 15 and older (roughly 1.9 million people) reported experiencing a major depressive episode in the past year. This figure reflects an increase from previous years, with women reporting higher rates (7.6%) compared to men (4.5%). The prevalence tends to be higher among younger age groups and those with lower socioeconomic status.

Mexico has less comprehensive, up-to-date national data available in English sources, but the Global Burden of Disease study estimates that around 3–4% of the population experiences depressive disorders annually, with variations by region and socioeconomic factors. Depression is often underreported due to stigma and limited mental health resources.
Across North America, depression rates have been influenced by factors like the COVID-19 pandemic, economic challenges, and social isolation. High-income North America, as a region, showed an increase in the age-standardized rate of depression from 1990 to 2017, with an estimated annual percentage change of 0.41%, per the Global Burden of Disease study. Current trends suggest that these rates have continued to climb into 2025, though precise 2025 figures are projections based on earlier data.
These statistics highlight that depression affects millions across North America, with prevalence varying by country, age, gender, and other demographic factors. For the most current and localized data, especially for 2025, ongoing surveys and studies would be needed, but the above reflects the latest reliable insights.

02/13/2025

Difficulties and/or disturbances in Identity and Sense of Self are often discussed as core features of Borderline Personality Disorder.

This study explored possible neural differences that might shed light on this topic.

"The study’s findings were focused on the differences in how the brain processed information when participants thought about themselves versus others. In particular, the researchers found that the brain activity of individuals with higher borderline personality traits showed more similarity between self-judgment and third-person judgment (when they imagined how others perceived them). This neural similarity suggests that individuals with these traits may have difficulty mentally separating their own perspective from the perspectives of others, which could contribute to their sense of identity instability."

02/13/2025

Graphic credit:

02/13/2025

What factors contribute to the enduring gap between depression care and healthcare systems globally, despite the illness's significant worldwide impact?

01/30/2025

“I’m tired” is one of the many, many phrases that people with depression say that are often misunderstood by the people around them - because there is a very, VERY big difference between "normal tiredness" and "depression tiredness".

If you’d like to learn what other phrases are commonly misunderstood when they’re said by people with depression - as well as what people with depression are actually going through when they say these phrases - then we encourage you to pre-order a copy of The Depression Project’s latest book titled “Learning The Language Of Depression: Overcoming Communication Barriers so People with Depression Are Safe and Understood”.

For more information about Learning The Language Of Depression and to pre-order your copy, please visit:

- Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/Learning-Language-Depression-Overcoming-Communication/dp/139431728X/
- Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Learning-Language-Depression-Overcoming-Communication/dp/139431728X/

Or whichever other online store you like to buy books from 🙂

12/22/2024

I rarely get to hear their names anymore.

My mom - Rosemarie Rose
My dad - Walter John Rose
My best friend - Lynn Donaghy-Jovanovic

In memory of many dear friends who passed away far too soon. My world .

12/22/2024

Possibly great info for those that need it and it’s free.

03/29/2024

Know the characteristics of a toxic person. They can be anyone from a parent, sibling, friends and spouse. Toxic people are not worth your happiness and sanity.