DEPRESSION: MY EXPERIENCE

Long ago, I've heard people talked of how dangerous depression could make someone be. Many people have committed suicide due to depression. It has a way it got deep in people and control their emotions, kicks them inside out, both young and adult. I started taking it serious when I saw many poets committed suicide as a result of depression. Why? I sat myself down thinking of the cause and solution, I couldn't come up with much considering that I've not experienced it. Though, I use to write against depression and any form of sadness but little did I know about it.

Recently, two things are draining me but am going to share one. So, I started feeling strange and rejected, definitely due to different unsatisfied comments I got from people about my stature. Sure, these comments are not new but held unto it when it persisted. Thus, I began to hate my look, feeling less courageous and cannot freely proud of my stature, it became worse when anybody mentioned something pertaining to it. Consequently, I had no other thought these days but my look, it saddens me a lot, can't get those comments off my head, I avoided some activities thinking am growing thin because of stress and some other things.

I never knew this is what depression is all about, it is just demonic! I can't make anyone understand how it is for everyone but I can tell you how it alters my life within short spam of time. Till my friend and I got to talk about it, then my eyes opened that 'I am truly depressed' then I finally "snapped out of it".

Therefore, never make anybody feel less or worthless of who they are, words are powerful and once it is spoken out, it can never be reversed. You might forgot what you said but the person said to will never forget. What impact do you know it could have on that person? Remember, words can frustrates and frustration leads to depression.

In addition, be concerned if your loved ones are depressed, how do you know if someone is depressed? The person may seem not to care about anything again (has lost interest in work,sex,hobbies and other pleasurable activities) expresses a negative outlook on life (uncharacteristically sad, irritable, short tempered,critical or moody) frequently complains of aches and pains (such as headache, stomach pain and back pain or complains of feeling tired and drained all the time) sleeps less than usual or oversleeps( has become indecisive, forgetful or disorganized) drinks more or abuses drugs(including prescription sleeping pills and painkillers, as a way to self medicate how they're feeling). 

Then, after you've got to know the person is depressed,try to take the person along. Sometimes it is hard to know what to say when speaking to someone about depression. You can start your conversation like; " I have been feeling concerned about you lately", " recently, I have noticed some differences in you and wondered how you are doing", " I wanted to check in with you because you have seemed pretty down lately".

Once you're talking, you can ask questions like; "did something happen that made you start feeling this way?" "How can I best support you now?" "When did you begin feeling like this?" Remember, being supportive involves offering words of encouragement and hope, such as "you are not alone" "it may hard to believe right now,but the way you're feeling will change" "you're important to me,your life is important to me".

But avoid saying words like; "this is all in your head" "everyone goes through tough times" "why do you want to die just for this little thing" "if you die, life goes on" "I can't do anything about your situation, just snap out of it" "you should be feeling better by now". It's bad, safe lives, the risk of suicide is real.

Dear friend, are you feeling sad always? Are you feeling left alone and rejected? You're not alone. More than 100million people in the world go through what you're going through in life. Our hearts get depressed because of financial debt or any of the life changing experiences such as; loss of a job, divorce, relationship issues, sickness or even loss of a loved one. How do you get over it? Be connected to God, do the opposite of what the "depression voice" suggests, set attainable goals, avoid staying alone, do something you enjoy, sleep, meditate and be willing to come out of it. You are you! You cannot be replaced.