Depression: What on earth is Depression? Is it worth the Attention?

Of recent, you must have heard about the increasing cases of Depression and suicide. It’s on the news, social media and even in our communities. Some think that Depression is overrated, others think it’s genuine. What facts do we have?

According to experts, Depression is a mental illness in which a person experiences “deep, unshakable sadness” and diminishing interests in nearly all activities. I will allow you to do your research if you want to know more. However, I would mention that there are scientific tests as well as results that validate the peculiarity of a patient’s mental activity during severe depression –which is just as distinct as a blood test or any other legitimate health evaluation. Click Here to Learn More
Sometime in May 2019, I came across a post on social media with the caption: “I’m tired of seeing suicide status up and down,” written in bold letters. Then, these followed: “Depression has been since the beginning of time…We can’t save everyone. Social media made this look as if it’s the only thing people think about now...depression kills 0.000005 percent of people…There are bigger issues to tackle, global melt down, ozone layer is week…improper waste managements…natural disaster is coming…” Now, this is from a well-meaning individual who decided to write in a bid to help others. I must commend the efforts of this person. I can also say that his opinion spurred this post in a way.

First, I would like to ask every reader to comment on these questions: Who decides which social challenge is bigger? What is the criterion of this measurement? Of course, the writer was right that we can’t save everyone, but how about the ones that we can save? Publicities like this can save someone, can’t it? According to the writer, there are more pressing issues like the state of the ozone layer and natural disasters. But then, is it not only the living that can experience this? Can a better ozone layer bring back a suicide victim? Let’s be true and fair in responding to these issues.
The publicity on Depression is not a call for unnecessary attention. This publicity is one of the many ways to increase awareness so that someone somewhere can be stirred up to learn more, know more and be of help to those they can afford to support. Many have died just because their illness was not recognised early. Helping a person whose challenges you may not completely understand, and doing so without any prejudice is one of the noblest services anyone can offer humanity. You cannot always grasp the truth and difficulty of another person’s situation even when you put yourself in their shoes. Nonetheless, we can render some help.

Your life matters too, and it is just as valuable and worthy as any other person’s. I should emphasise, clinical depression is an illness; it is more than just a reaction to life. The right to life is not a provision for a majority but a well-deserved right of each person who still has breath in them. Spread the news and save someone you may never know. Don’t forget to leave your comments if you can.