r/depression rules, stats, and what to post

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**. Feelings that make sense in a situation are NOT a mental illness! Meds issues belong in /r/antidepressants. No interpersonal/social/political issues, pop culture, or grief/bereavement. Full info in [this wiki](https://www.reddit.com/r/depression/wiki/what_is_depression). If your issues relate to suicide, /r/SuicideWatch is a better option.

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](https://www.reddit.com/r/depression/wiki/giving_help) Personal means **no use of AI**.

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](https://www.reddit.com/r/depression/wiki/private_contact).

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.

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.

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](http://www.ted.com/talks/srikumar_rao_plug_into_your_hard_wired_happiness). Instead, [contribute good examples of empathy](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Evwgu369Jw), which will help everyone, not just the OP you're replying to.

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 **de**scribe, Don't **pre**scribe. 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.

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](http://www.reddit.com/r/SuicideWatch/wiki/incitement) with more information

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. * You may NOT reply to off-topic posts in any way EXCEPT to redirect to another subreddit!

No activism, debate or unapproved surveys including casual survey or DAE style questions: We know activism (fundraising, awareness, etc.) and debate are essential, but they don't work in a support space. This kind of content is distressing and distracting here. Studies 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** to get a "Mod Approved" flair. No other research, including casual "Does Anyone Else" style questions, is allowed.

Absolutely no self-promotion of any kind, including creative writing or other arts: If you want to advertise, [pay for it](https://advertising.reddithelp.com/). 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.

Do not request or offer money, goods, or services, or discuss financial issues: 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.