Ive noticed a lot more discussion on the topic of suicide and depression recently here on Steemit. Im sure there are a multitude of reasons for this, but i believe the recent news of suicide by a young girl well recognised throughout the Steemit community is what really bought it to attention, and created an influx of heartfelt posts and beautiful letters from across the platform.

Personally, i didnt know her myself. But the posts that followed her death, written by the people that knew her, I read.

As i read through these memories, regrets, well wishes, an overwhelming feeling of sadness came over me. But this isnt like me. Im usually selfish with my feelings - Enjoy and absorb the positive things i would think, and dismiss/ignore the negative ones. In my philosophical mind, thats what i believed was the best action. On this occasion though, i struggled.

I questioned myself on this. I know its not the idea of death that makes me sad, nor is it the emotional responses that people had written. Eventually, I realised what it was. I realised that even though i could find positive perspectives on this issue, they would never outweigh the negatives that the people who ended their lives were feeling, and that now they never will.

People say that there are many options out there, and there are many ways to seek help. With medicine, psychology, religion, higher entities etc. we are almost spoilt for choice. But take a step back, look at the big picture, and realise what all these solutions are trying to help us achieve.

We, as conscious humans, need to realise just how beautiful, powerful and loved we are.

Unfortunately, thats easier said than done, and I truly understand that this is not an easy task.

We are born into a world where society is uneven, and that no matter how incredible we think we are, we will always find someone who we believe is 'better' than us. Whether it be celebrities or idoling our friends, regardless we are instantaneously degrading our own form of self consciousness, because if someone else is 'better', then that must make us 'worse'.

No matter how healthy minded we think we are, we should take the time to love and appreciate ourselves everyday. Put the whip away; you are no worse than anyone else, but you are also no better than anyone else either. Take tiny steps in learning to love yourself. It may take days, weeks or months. Tell yourself "I Love You" and mean it. Life is a marathon and as we build up our positive feelings we also build up the stamina to maintain them. Once you become aware and recognise when your thoughts are dwindling and you may be allowing your ego to beat yourself up, you will realise; thats all it is - You are not the person your ego (that little voice that speaks to you, that you hardly notice it has become so normal) is making you out to be. Dont allow yourself to accept that You arent special. You are literally made from the same stuff as the stars.

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The struggles of everyday life can be overwhelming at times. But please, find the time, no matter how long that is, to sit down, feel comfortable, and tell yourself just how incredible and loved you are. I truly offer this post as a step in helping anyone affected and to raise awareness of the importance of self love.

Payouts will be declined but I will be replying to comments below.

Take care of yourselves beautiful people.

~ Simon Mellor (@youareyourowngod)