How a Facebook Group Helped Me in the Midst of My Depression

Six months after I lost my mother, my nasty friends, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), were back in full force. I was done. I was at an all time low. Nothing could help me. My husband was supportive, and I saw my therapist every week. Yet, nothing made me feel better. I was/am in a deep, dark hole. I wanted to die by suicide.

You see, the past came flooding back as soon as I stepped foot in my mother’s house. My symptoms of PTSD were so strong that we had to leave much earlier than we thought.

Then, I found by chance a closed group on Facebook. These women are my kind of women. They were honest, have no regrets for being themselves and speak their truth. I felt like I belonged there. I can be me with no regrets and no worries of being judged.

I laughed. I laughed so hard, belly laughs. I can’t remember the last time that happened, if ever. As I spent more and more time in this group, I felt better and better. Of course, I can’t sit on Facebook all day. Yes, I am still in a bad place, but I am better, a little bit better. When you are sitting in a pile of grief and depression, with night terrors and suicidal thoughts constantly in your head, a little can make a big difference.

I’m not saying laughter cures all because it obviously does not. When I get overwhelmed crying or can’t move out of bed, I hop on for a laugh. These ladies are my tribe. I’m so thankful to have found them. They don’t even know the gift they have given me. They have given me a little bit of me back. They have given my family one more Christmas with me. Hopefully, many more will follow as I continue down my path of healing.

My advice for anyone, especially during this holiday season, is to find where you belong, even if it’s on Facebook and not in real life. I promise there is a group for everyone. Reach out. It’s OK not to be OK.

If you or someone you know needs help, visit our suicide prevention resources page.

If you need support right now, call the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. You can reach the Crisis Text Line by texting “START” to 741-741.