Bullying is using words or actions to hurt someone on purpose. It usually happens repeatedly over time, and it can be hard to stop. Bullying behaviors include ridicule, threats, rumors, embarrassment, taunts, intimidation, hate speech, assault, and sexual harassment. It can happen anywhere: at school, in the community, or online (cyberbullying). For more information on what bullying looks like, check out these blog posts: Why You Bully Me: An Insider’s Perspective on Bullying How to Deal With Cyberbullying: 3 Habits to Learn

How to help someone with depression?

People with depression need support. You can make a difference in someone’s life by letting them know you’re there, you care, and you’re in their corner. If you think someone you know is struggling with depression, share your concern. You don’t have to know the “right” thing to say or give any advice. Just be present. Listen without judgment. Ask how you can help, and let the person know that they are important and valued. Your support may be exactly what they need to get through. If you are concerned that someone may be in danger of hurting themselves or others, get immediate help. Tell a trusted adult, call 911, or contact the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255. For more information, check out our blog post on Suicide Prevention: 5 Action Steps to Prevent Suicide.

How to deal with depression?

Sometimes people with depression are encouraged to “just snap out of it.” But depression is an illness, not a choice. It requires treatment and support. The symptoms of depression, such as sadness, lack of energy, and difficulty concentrating, also make it hard to manage. The things that can help you feel better are often the hardest things to do. Start small and remind yourself that the first step is usually the hardest one. Some steps you can take to feel better in the moment include: Reach out. The most important thing is to remember that you are not alone. People with depression often feel ashamed or isolated. But people care about you and want to help. Asking for help does not mean you are weak or a burden. So tell a trusted family member or friend what you are experiencing. If you can’t or don’t feel comfortable, connect online, or call a crisis line: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a crisis counselor. Do something to make yourself feel good. Even if you feel like you’ve lost interest in the things you once enjoyed, try doing them. Whether that’s listening to music, doing art, writing, being with a pet, taking a walk, or playing a game, you may find something that helps boost your mood. Take care of your body. It’s easy to neglect your self-care when you’re depressed. Make sure you are eating well, drinking enough water, getting adequate rest, and exercising. Try to get some fresh air and sunlight. Find ways to manage stress, such as deep breathing, stretching, and other relaxation exercises. If at any time you feel like you’re in danger of hurting yourself or others, get immediate help. Go to a trusted adult, call 911 or a crisis line, or get to an emergency room. Your Free2Luv Family is always here to support you. Suicide Prevention: 5 Action Steps to Prevent Suicide.

What does depression feel like?

Depression is characterized by long-lasting feelings of sadness, hopelessness, emptiness, and/or a loss of interest and pleasure. It’s not the same thing as feeling sad once in a while. People with depression may experience difficulty sleeping or concentrating, changes to their appetite, weight loss or gain, low energy, prolonged feelings of guilt or worthlessness, and intrusive thoughts of self-harm or suicide. Depression is real, and it’s serious. It’s the most common mental illness, affecting over 10% of adolescents and young adults. But fortunately, it is treatable. 80% of people with depression begin to feel better within six weeks of starting treatment. But only about half of those affected ever get treatment. That’s why it’s so important to speak openly about mental health and reduce the stigma surrounding depression and other illnesses. For more information, check out this blog post: What Does Depression Feel Like?

How does anxiety affect life?

You may have heard people say anxiety is “all in your head.” But anxiety is real, and it can interfere with your ability to enjoy and fully experience your life. Physical symptoms of anxiety include rapid heartbeat or breathing, tightness in the chest, upset stomach, sweating, headache, muscle tension, and insomnia. Mental anxiety symptoms include excessive worry, intrusive or unwanted thoughts, fear, irritability, difficulty concentrating, and restlessness. Everyone experiences anxiety a little differently, but one thing is certain: you don’t have to suffer in silence. Learn more about living with anxiety.

'Come to Me' Music Video: A Celebration of LUV

National Coming Out Day is a day of celebration and awareness that unites the LGBTQ+ community around the world. In celebration of all of the beautiful humans who have boldly and bravely come out, we thank you for paving the way and bringing more acceptance, diversity, and LUV into this world.

For many, we know coming out is not easy and we want you to know you are supported and loved unconditionally here. Think of this as your safe space. Coming out is your choice and it’s important you choose to do it when you feel safe and ready. Know that when you do, there is a community here waiting to embrace you filled with allies who love you exactly as you are.

We’ve partnered with singer/songwriter and Ambassador, Ddendyl Hoyt, and a diverse group of LGBTQ+ friends and allies to provide a music video, “Come to Me’.

“Come to Me is a love song about finding your person; the one soul who completely understands and lets you be unapologetically your true self. Love is the most precious gift on earth and it should be cherished and celebrated. That it’s far bigger and far more important than race, or gender, or sexual orientation, but instead it’s fearless, perfect, and always worth fighting for. I wrote this song for my wife long before I met her knowing that there was someone out there just for me who would love me fully and wholly as I am.”

This project is a celebration of love in all of the many ways it shows up.

We asked our LUV cast what it means to them be Free2Luv. Listen to their moving responses.

Storytelling and sharing what’s in your heart is a powerful way to connect. Every person has a unique story to share. Join your voice with ours and let’s show the world ‘love is love’.

A big thank you to our amazing cast for sharing their hearts and talent with our movement. Thank you Ddendyl, Danielle, Matt, Moira, Holden, Tim, Jenna, Asher, Carlos, Brittany, Jennifer, and Lerron.

Special thanks to Kurt for sharing his mad skills to bring this project to life and Tonya, Araya, and Tammie from Team Free2Luv.

Download here to add this beautiful tune to your playlist.

Check out Ddendyl’s path to love and coming out story below.

‘Come to Me’ Music Video: A Celebration of LUV

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