Depression memes are not a real coping mechanism

I imagine many people are going to feel very called out by the title of this week’s editorial. I myself am super guilty of sending my friends way too many depression and anxiety memes than what is probably healthy. But behind all the laughs is the little voice that says, “too real”.  A lot of uni student humor is based around wanting to die or stress crying or just being completely done with everything, and it is all seen as ‘relatable content’. And shouldn’t we find that a little concerning? I am all for gallows humor but using it as a main coping mechanism for mental health is something I am not here for.

Here at Craccum we think mental health is incredibly important to address, and we know that this themed issue might be more confronting for some than others. With this issue we hope to show that you aren’t alone. With the incoming pressure of final assignments and exams we are all going to be stressed for the next couple of weeks. For some that means their mental health might really take a dive, which is really hard when it is already not in a great place thanks to mental illness. Even though AUSA is doing their “Stress Less Week” next week, I think it bullshit to gloss over the fact that mental illness goes beyond feeling stressed during exams and can simply be cured with ‘wellbeing’ (whatever the fuck that means?). 

Mental health is important and people are finally starting to realise that. While it’s vital to talk about it, tagging your friends in memes isn’t going to actually deal with it.  There is a lot I can say about this university (I man A LOT) but for one thing they actually do is take mental health fairly seriously. The six free counselling sessions they offer is actually really good. Struggling to cope with uni and work and life is far from unusual, so there is nothing wrong with getting help so you don’t feel like shit all the time. Our mental health system is already an ambulance at the bottom of a cliff, so if you feel yourself being unable to cope go talk to someone before you are at the bottom of that cliff. For the person that needed a sign to go get help: This is your sign.

Depression Helpline – 0800 111 757 or free text 4202

Lifeline – 0800 543 354 (0800 LIFELINE) or free text 4357 (HELP)

Suicide Crisis Helpline – 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)

Healthline – 0800 611 116

Samaritans – 0800 726 666 

Anxiety phone line – 0800 269 4389