Breaking the Silence: Depression Awareness

Depression Awareness

3:30

Recently I had a conversation with someone I was confiding in about one of the darkest times of my life. Throughout the conversation, I observed them making comments such as they are stronger than I was and will not get depressed, that I was STUPID enough to believe things that led me to depression, they insinuated I chose to go through what I went through, like it was a choice I had made consciously. That conversation got me so worked up and triggered me in more than one way and I was just sad to yet again come to the realization that there's just not enough awareness of mental health across the globe. People still believe in nuances like 'it is a state of mind', 'it is all in one's head'. After I had calmed down, I felt the need to write a small post talking about depression and post it on my social media. Therefore, I penned down the below message which I then posted as a story on my IG handle. I found little comfort in putting this out atleast for the people who follow me if not for the world to read it. I am publishing this hoping to spread more awareness about depression.

Depression - this is a topic I feel strongly passionate about.

Here’s a reminder to not be a problem solver to someone who’s depressed, no one needs to be saved or rescued! When you don’t know how to be around a depressed person, just being there with a listening ear goes miles! Being heard and seen makes all the difference! If you choose to go one step further, telling them things like “it’s okay to feel the way you are feeling” is all they want - a sense of normalcy; that they are not alone in this. Don’t fight it or advise them based on “your” interpretation of how you think they should deal with a problem. Opening up is already a huge stepping stone for someone with depression, do not dismiss it or shut them down. Please be mindful.

“If you have nothing to say, don’t say anything at all”

and that’s okay too. If you can’t make it any easier, do not make it any worse.

Please understand depression is not something you CHOOSE for yourself, it’s not a choice. It has nothing, ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to do with how strong you are mentally. It gets to the best of them. It’s a sickness and should be treated as one; it is NOT the same as feeling sad, there’s a huge difference!

#depressionawareness

Adding a few things to the above, unless you are told or asked for your opinion by a person going through depression, please try to be more of a listener than an adviser, even if you have the person's best interest at heart. Most of us jump to conclusions that they are unable to solve their problems and need you to step in. Please do not treat them like they are STUPID, they aren't. They probably even know what's the best next step for them, maybe they are having trouble doing it, being consistent with it because in depression most of the time, you are unable to even do the necessary tasks (Again, it's not the same for everyone but it could be the case). Please be mindful. If you really feel the need to help then communication maybe the key to it all, having more clarity on how you can help, if they are comfortable receiving that help could do a lot. Again, you don't have to do any of it, if you don't want to but stop making people with depression feel like they are weak, that they could've avoided it if they HAD acted differently in the past etc.

If you are someone going through depression right now, I hope this helps you vocalize your feelings especially to people who don't get it. Hang in there Tiger, you will survive this :)

May, 2023