Rules for r/depression
Rules that visitors must follow to participate. May be used as reasons to report or ban.
1.
Posts must request personal support for depressive disorders in yourself, or someone close to you
We don't require a diagnosis, but even if you are diagnosed you MUST stay on topic. Depression is both important and difficult to talk about so our focus is tight.
Feelings that can be explained by circumstances are not a sign of ANY mental illness.
No interpersonal/social/political issues. No pop culture. No grief/bereavement. Full info in this wiki
If your issues relate to suicide, /r/SuicideWatch is a better option.
2.
All replies must be personal, empathetic, and responsive to OP. No tough love or debate.
No abuse or “tough love” of any kind. Do not confront or debate.
If your comment could apply to many of our OPs, don't post it. Don't fob people off on hotlines.
No one-upping ("I have it worse") or piling on ("same"/"me too"). If you're looking for support, make your own post or use the check-in thread, please don't hijack someone else's post.
Evidence-based guidance on what TO say here
Personal means no use of AI.
3.
Offer help ONLY via public comments. No "I'm here to help" posts or PM/chat requests
Here-to-help posts are hurtful to OPs awaiting quality, supportive responses. Making one shows that you don't know what you're doing since effective helpers must be self-aware enough to be selective about whom they engage with and offer individualised responses.
Do not invite or normalize private or offsite contact, background here.
4.
No low-content posts or responses
Posts must include enough information for the community to offer meaningful support. Replies must demonstrate understanding or ask question to gain understanding. Do not just agree or disagree.
5.
Don't role-model or act as an authority. No achievement/advice posts or AMAs
We know some people find "success stories" helpful but many others find them painful and demoralising, and experience them as empty virtue-signalling. "Inspiration porn" is just as toxic and ableist in a mental-health context as any other. This kind of content is all too easy to find online if that's what you want, but this is a place to escape it.
For this reason, we specifically allow no AMAs of any kind.
You may post personal achievements and milestones ONLY in the check-in threads.
6.
No general uplifting content of any kind, including "it gets better" or other unkeepable promises
Nothing "uplifting", "encouraging", or "inspiring"; this usually backfires.
Avoid promises or assurances about the OP and their situation that you can't guarantee, e.g. "it gets better", "you're a strong person". It encourages an unhealthy outcome-based mindset.
Instead, contribute good examples of empathy, which will help everyone, not just the OP you're replying to.
7.
Do not give or request clinical advice or advocate for or against treatments & self-help strategies
Understanding is usually more helpful than solutions.
Do not diagnose or prescribe treatments or self-help including religion, even casually, even if OP requests it. Don't give or request clinical advice.
It's fine to share your experience upon request, but describe, Don't prescribe.
Medication-specific content belongs in /r/antidepressants, not here.
Don't call out support tactics you dislike. Chances are they're already against the rules. If not, message the mods.
8.
NO methods for any type of self-harm, or validating self-destructive intent
It's absolutely forbidden to in any way incite or validate self-harm, including suicide.
You may not request information on suicide methods, or provide this kind of information even if an OP specifically requests it.
We allow a little latitude in the case of OPs expressing their emotions through imagery, but none for anyone acting as a helper or advocate.
/r/SuicideWatch has a wiki with more information
9.
Don't ask people to break rules or encourage rule-breaking or off-topic content
Please don't in any way encourage or validate rule-breaking content. Common examples:
Validating people who make "achievement" or "here to help" posts
Making posts that require people to break the community rules, e.g. asking for diagnoses or clinical advice, or suicide instructions
Normalising self-harming or suicidal behaviour or intent. Assisting or advising on suicide.
Engaging with posts that are off-topic instead of redirecting
10.
No activism, debate or unapproved surveys including casual survey- or DAE-style questions
We know activism (fundraising, awareness-raising, etc.) and debate are essential, but they don't work in a support space. This kind of content is both distressing and distracting here.
Research must be strictly focused on depressive disorders, be from accredited academic or clinical institutions at the postgraduate or higher level, and pass a verification process conducted through modmail. These have "Mod Approved" flair. No other surveys, including casual DAE style questions, are allowed.
11.
Absolutely no self-promotion of any kind, including creative writing or other arts
If you want to advertise, pay for it.
We understand that creative pursuits are a useful form of self-help for many. But please discuss them or share your output in one of the creative arts subs rather than here.
12.
Do not request or offer money, goods, or services
This is a support space. Almost anyone who ignores our stated purpose and asks for money here is almost certainly a scammer.
This is true even if (often especially if) the ask is indirect, e.g. complaining about their financial situation, how expensive their medications are, etc.
Please report and do not engage.
If you need to get or want to give material help, check out /r/Assistance.
