Imagine being colorblind and constantly told how colorful the world around you is.
That's what depression feels like. Approximately 1 in 4 people suffer from some kind of
mental illness which means we have at least 2 depressed dudes here in this room. Yeah,
I'm talking about you, whoever it is, raise your hands! Just kidding.
Depression is a complex illness affecting thoughts, feelings, and daily activities.
While triggers vary – hormonal imbalances, genetics, stressful events – its symptoms are
often universal: persistent sadness, loss of interest, guilt, changes in appetite and sleep,
social withdrawal, even suicidal thoughts. Did you know that liver cancer kills
approximately 800.000 people each year? But hello so does suicide! Not to mention the
underreporting of suicide numbers due to societal stigma and misconceptions.
Despite its prevalence, many believe depression is simply sadness or a sign of
weakness, something one can just "snap out of." We readily offer support if somebody
breaks a bone, yet when the mind fractures, silence prevails. And that's what I want to
change! But how?
A year ago, I found myself in depression's grip. I was too tired to live, but too
scared to kill myself. Every time I had morbid thoughts about suicide, I'd imagine my
mom crying over my dead body and that image was the only thing that kept me going.
Nothing could cheer me up, even anime. Friends urged me to seek professional help, but
I couldn't bring myself to do so for 2 reasons. First, if anyone finds out that I go to see a
psychologist or psychiatrist they'd probably think I'd gone mad. Another reason was that
treatment is just too costly, I'd rather spend my hard-earned money to fix mom's sore legs
or dad’s ulcer.
So, I sought solace in reading and escapism. With a friend's support, I slowly
realized depression wasn't a character flaw, and wishful thinking wouldn't cure it. My job
was draining, living with my family felt suffocating. Renting a flat and pursuing a
master's degree abroad became my escape plan. It was a success, and here I am. This
escape, though not a complete cure, helped me tame my depression in a way. Ironically,
I'm grateful for this experience. As Rumi stated, "The wound is the place where the light
enters you."
My journey is just one example. For some, mild depression might respond to yoga
or meditation. Others with moderate or severe depression may require professional
intervention, including therapy, medication, or even shock therapies and cingulotomy.
The most crucial element in facing depression, whether our own or a loved one's, is
empathy. Open conversations, love, and support are vital. Remember, depression can
manifest in various ways, often masked. It doesn’t always look like this; it might also
look like this or this. By raising mental health awareness, we foster understanding, break
the silence and save lives.
Earlier, I jokingly asked if anyone here was depressed. Coz in my country,
admitting such a struggle is rare. You need to speak up! If not you, someone you know
might be silently battling this illness. Observe, listen, offer support. It's easier said than
done, but I am not preaching what I don’t practice and if I can do it, so can you. Let me
conclude with a verse from my favorite poem:
So when you finally hit rock bottom,
And you look back up at the sky,
What you once had seems so far away,
The only thing left to do is cry,
People all yell out “save yourself”,
Calling things about “happiness” and “hope”
But they’re too busy with their lives to realise,
It’d be a lot quicker if they let down a rope.
