Our collective mental health has taken a hit. We are grieving, struggling with uncertainty, and limited in sources for solace.

For people already dealing with depression, it is like a double whammy.

May is Mental Health Month. It is observed every year to raise mental health awareness. Mental Health America’s (MHA) message for Mental Health Month is simple: care about mental health.

The GeneSight team does care, now more than ever. So, to mark Mental Health Month, we are offering messages of encouragement from our team to everyone who is struggling with depression.

Here are our team’s responses to the question: “What would you say to someone who is suffering from depression?”

Talk to Someone About Your Depression

“Be open with your feelings and talk about it. Go to a family member, seek professional help. Don’t just keep it inside. Take action and, most importantly, speak out.”

“Congratulations for having the voice to speak up. The biggest first step is asking for help. Whether that be talking to your friend or getting the help that you need. That first step of saying: ‘I am depressed’ is the biggest hurdle on most people’s journey.”

“There’s no reason to be afraid to talk about it. Unfortunately, there’s still a stigma in society that many people are embarrassed or afraid to talk to others. But the reality is that so many people are affected. The more we talk about it, the more likely we are to get help and get answers quicker.”

Get Help and Seek Depression Treatment

 “Get treatment, get help. Everyone needs some type of help.”

“It’s okay not to be okay and if you’re not okay, let people know, let somebody know.”

“Go see somebody to get help. Don’t be ashamed or don’t worry about what some people may think. Go to see a psychiatrist.”

You’re Not Alone: Depression Impacts Us All

“You’re not alone in this fight. There are a lot of people out there that are also suffering from the same thing that you’re suffering from.”

“Everybody is affected in some way or another. You’re never alone.”

“You’re not alone. If you were at a stoplight and looked right or left, chances are other people at that intersection have some type of a behavioral health issue, whether it’s anxiety or depression or something else.”

“I’ve been there. I know what you’re going through. It’s hard, that’s not a lie. But know that there’s people out there like you and there’s people out there that can help you.”

Don’t Give Up; Stay Strong

“Keep going. There are answers out there. There are people who care about you. You make a difference. You have people that love you. Keep going. Keep fighting, because there are others who are fighting for you and you’re worth it. You’re worth it. “

“It’s important to continue fighting and being mindful and staying strong. I strongly think things do get better.”

“The road doesn’t end where you’re at right now. There is something to look forward to and there is a way to get better.”

“Just because things didn’t work out in the past doesn’t mean they won’t work out in the future.”

Have Hope

“Life is too short. Get help quick and realize that there’s light at the end of the tunnel. You can get better.”

“Continue to have hope. Find what you can every day to get better. And we’re here to help.”

This Mental Health Month, during this unprecedented time, we encourage you to make mental health a priority – yours and that of others. Here, mental health takes top priority and, with the GeneSight test, we try to do our part by informing your doctor and overall treatment plan. To hear more from patients who have taken the GeneSight test and sought treatment for their depression, visit our Stories page.