With the recent events unfolding globally, depression is something that people have started to talk about more and more. Unfortunately, it is still discussed with prejudice, and often, high profile suicides that make people talk about it, wondering why a person would take such a step.
Just like every trending topic on social media, there comes a sudden influx of experts on depression, with every Tom, Dick and Harry presenting their advice - “just talk with friends”, “go out more”, “don’t stay silent” and in a few cases, some with regret “I should have tried to talk to him / her more”.
The “experts” seem to forget all the ridicule and judgement they pass along to folks suffering from depression when they try to seek help or discuss their conditions in public. Ranging anywhere from being labeled “attention-seeking” to “loser” to “weirdo” to “just man up”, sometimes for years since childhood, it slowly pushes the person into their shell. Becoming extremely wary of ever talking about it, folks retract into their own shell, trying to fight it all by themselves as days go along, sometimes winning, often losing.
People don’t understand what they can’t experience, and rarely can anyone offer empathy with an open mind, especially when something like this lasts for so long, seemingly forever. Patience is not easy to come by.
Depending on the family, the society and the global region, seeking professional help may invite ridicule or be seen as something not worth it, but try it, at least once. Your well-being matters much more than what people think. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.
The most important thing for a person with depression is to have someone to talk to, without any fear of judgement. Keep those close who appreciate and value you, especially when things are down. And don’t think twice to cut off negative people from your life, who devalue or belittle you. As they say, it is during the worst times of our lives that we get to see the true colors of people who say they care for us.
If you feel the need to chat or share, feel free to email me at thecynicguy7@gmail.com.
Courage is not the absence of fear. Courage is feeling the fear, the doubt, the insecurity and deciding that something else is more important.