Have you ever felt as if all the doors closed around you and you were claustrophobic to the point of suffocating your own breath?
Then everything you try, every step you take, proves to be incorrect. You become engulfed in a cloud of negativity. You feel duped and defeated. You recall a time when you trusted the entire world. But then the world betrayed you, and you’re now on your own.
Friendships turn into betrayals, and lies become the norm rather than the exception. Even your inner voice starts to dismiss you. You feel inadequate in every aspect, whether it’s money, relationships, or work. Survival becomes a challenge in and of itself.
But you gave this world your all! And all it gave you was pain, uncertainty, and loneliness. You realize your life could have been a lifetime journey. Instead, it has become a burden that you must carry from dusk to dawn.
If that’s how you’ve been feeling lately, know that you’re not alone. Everyone has been there.
Depression is Real
Depression, anxiety, and other related issues are currently causing a global health crisis. According to experts, approximately 5% of the global adult population suffers from depression. Unfortunately, less than 25% of these people receive the necessary treatment.
That’s because most people associate depression with “being sad.” The truth is that depression is not simply a state of being unhappy; it is a serious mental disorder that saps the essence and energy of your life.
Depression makes a person feel isolated and empty. Acceptance becomes a source of desperation for them, and they long for someone to listen to them. They are depleted, exhausted, and defeated. Insecurity replaces confidence, and their entire world appears to shrink around them.
The problem is that, in most cases, depression is not taken seriously. All over the world, this crippling disease is met with ignorance, irrationality, and, most often, ridicule. “Just go hang out with your friends,” is a common solution.
Unfortunately, this is not the case. I know because I’ve been there, and I’m not ashamed to say it in the hope of helping others.
Depression is as dangerous as cancer, and it can be fatal at times. I’ve felt the darkness around me, I’ve felt the pain it causes the soul, and I know there are millions like me who need help but don’t get it.
When you have depression, your mind begins to shut down. You only think about your pain, your defeats, and your mistakes. Life becomes a burden, and the futility of failure replaces hope. Finally, you just let go and accept the hopelessness of it all.
This is a very dangerous situation with potentially fatal consequences. That is why I believe it is time to break free from the shell of ignorance and deal with depression properly. It’s time to break the silence surrounding mental health discussions and address the issue.
Mental health has been treated nonchalantly in many cases, as if it were something to be ashamed of. It is not, particularly in today’s fast-changing digital world. It is a real disease, and we must approach it with wisdom, understanding, and, most importantly, empathy.
Be There
When someone is experiencing depression, they are extremely vulnerable and in pain. In such situations, all they want to find is someone who understands their pain and can empathize with them. Otherwise, they frequently reach their breaking point, that point beyond which there is no return, which usually results in drastic measures such as suicide.
So, what should one do if a loved one is caught in this trap? The first step is to be there for them, to assist them, and to listen to them. You can often bring them back from the brink of death by treating them with the compassion they require.
Suicide is a leading cause of death in adults worldwide, and my foundation is currently working to find solutions. The taboo surrounding this disorder is nearly identical in most countries. Adults suffering from depression are rarely helped.
Not only adults, but also minors and teenagers, are frequently affected by this condition, and they are unable to identify the source of the problem. That is why it is critical to keep an eye on your loved ones to ensure that they are not being eaten from the inside out by this disorder.
And what should you do if you’re the one who’s depressed?
First and foremost, seek assistance from someone you know you can rely on. We can’t see ourselves without a mirror, without someone else’s reflection. So, if you can find someone you completely trust, you’ve won half the battle.
By doing so, you effectively create an outlet for yourself to remind yourself that you are worth the time and effort it takes to live. Seeking help often results in hearing the words you least expect to hear. Then all you have to do is listen and rewire your body, mind, and emotions.
Control the mind, Control the world.
When dealing with depression, keep one thing in mind: it does not just happen. It occurs when life events combine and collide in unexpected ways. Everyone’s experience with depression is unique, but the recovery process is consistent.
You must constantly remind yourself of who you are and what you are worth to your loved ones and the world. You should also keep in mind how the world works; no one will fully understand your pain except you. But that’s okay because as long as you ask for help, help will come.
So, instead of giving up, strengthen your inner strength and remember that your courage comes from within. Never speak of defeat, only of victory. Be resilient, diligent, and defiant at all times. Remember the key point: don’t let your mind control you. Control your mind instead, and you’ll discover that you can control the world.
Always have faith in the higher power that watches over us all as you rebuild your empire. It doesn’t matter if you have to start from scratch. Put forth the effort to create success where failure once existed. The blueprint was always there; it just took a detour.
Be fearless, brave, and bold. And never, ever, ever, ever give up.
Finally, remember that I will always be rooting for you, just as you did for me.