The Syndicate

@juliets your story is something i relate to (even now) and it really explains how you've been able to understand my stress triggers and help me navigate through my issues over the years.

thank you for sharing. you know you have me always

@DaughterOfOmega

thanks for sharing your experience. it means a lot to me, and fills me with a little hope that someone else benefits from having a friend reach out! i'm really glad you were able to find what works for you, all within your comfort zone.

@Syn

i appreciate everything you wrote. your concerns are valid and honest, and personally gave me a lot to think about on how i approach this subject with others.

the certainty that "everything WILL be better" - though meant more as a positive reinforcement - isn't always what people want to hear and i acknowledge that here. it's arrogant, perhaps, or even condescending as you say, but written with the best intentions i promise, and i apologize for it and will strive to grow from this discussion. i have already tried to edit the language, and will continue working on this (with you, perhaps, if you feel up for it), to bring across the message in a less triggering/offensive manner.

i don't think our initiative was meant to be this controversial: our goals were to help break the stigma that mental health issues are taboo, by sharing experiences of our own struggles to perhaps normalize it or encourage someone who's afraid or ashamed by it, post resources from referenced websites (not opinion pieces or medical advice of our own, certainly, as we don't have any medical experience!), and just connect people with another friend if they are looking for one. being depressed and lonely, looking for someone outside your immediate circle to talk to, is a real struggle some people have.

i'm probably a hypocrite who says "talking to someone" is good when my lowest moments are spent in isolation. yet, when i do disappear, i have people reach out to me - "just let me know you're ok, and i won't bother you more" - is what my best friend Spacedaisy tells me when i'm going through those episodes. she acknowledges my need for space, but still wants to let me know she's there. it works for me, honestly. i hope it can work for someone else. i acknowledge people work in different ways, of course, and we aren't trying to force anything on anyone.

anyway, i love and appreciate you a lot and i appreciate your opinions and feelings.