It’s true that a person’s own thoughts can kill him even before his death. While depression has become a hot topic in today’s world, it’s funny how it goes unnoticed when we encounter any depression patient in our daily lives. Though its severity varies in different people belonging to different backgrounds, its root cause is usually common, “A Constant Pressure”. A constant pressure of anything that one takes on his nerves. In simple words, whatever we mostly think about is what our body perceives as constant pressure.
Even if the genuine cause of death remained unknown in cases including Sushant Singh, Amir Liaqat Hussain, Alamgir khan Tareen, Asim Jameel and now a Civil Servant Bilal Pasha’s demise, still one can assume depression was the silent killer that had been consuming them from inside for quite a long time. These are just a few prominent personalities that came to limelight while a large number of cases from lower to middle class communities don’t even make it to the media coverage.
They all were seemingly entertaining and happy in real life and strong enough to overcome any mental pressure, but still they chose to take their lives in the midst of what we call glorious life. How is that possible?
To address this question, a multidimensional approach is required. Primarily, we all need to understand that whatever we are putting inside us is having an impact on our whole body, whether it’s food, medication or thoughts. There are some medications that we consume on a regular basis containing those chemicals that can trigger emotional balance in our bodies. For instance, a detailed case study on suicidal cases conducted by New York Representative Ted Weiss showed that most of the deceased had a past history of taking some steroids or medication including accutane (for skin diseases). Their side effects ultimately weaken one’s emotional strength, making a person feel alone at times, getting lot of stress, having suicidal thoughts, from laughing at stupid stuff to breaking into tears over a mild mistake even. Although authorities publicly called on the FDA to limit access to the drug, it is easily available in other forms. Taking things personally, blaming oneself for every mistake, thinking about something a lot, considering the pressure associated with one’s role as a student, professional or in any other capacity, feeling low at times, impatient behaviors, mood swings, being too sensitive, avoiding people and in some cases being too chatty are some of the major signs of depression.
The concerned person should realize that others may cheer you up and help you with your fight against this depression battle but the only person who can help you to come out of this stage is you yourself! You are responsible for your own happiness.
Your first and foremost duty is to stay happy and spread happiness all around. Laugh more but obviously not on others, share your own stories that can enlighten someone’s day, never take too much pressure of anything, help others, stay kind, have pets if you feel unloved, stay close to people who don’t judge you, stay in touch with your loved ones, meditate, relax, play, don’t let the child inside you die, stay close to nature, pursue your hobbies, love people but don’t give them false hopes so they may not get depress because of you, stay away from anything that makes you question your worth, accept your mistakes, don’t take other’s validation, correct yourself, have a flexible nature to fit in any environment, never be ashamed of saying sorry if you hurt anyone, initiate conversation, be curious, don’t be rude, cry a bit if you feel overwhelmed, complain less, be grateful about your blessings, don’t feel threatened by other’s success, appreciate yourself, share your struggle stories more than sharing your achievements so that people don’t get disheartened on their failures, stay real, instead of mourning on a deceased loved one have faith that there must be Khair in Allah SWT decision and HE will replace this loss with someone else, take care of your other loved ones, call them if you miss anyone, understand other’s struggles too, try to feel why we all are who we are, be less toxic, think twice before speaking as our words have an impact in people’s lives, don’t comment unnecessarily, use less medications and that too with great precautions, share your problem with someone, use less social media as everyone is just sharing bright side of their lives and also be patient towards others.
Although the responsibility solely does not lie on the person, we as a society, all need to change our toxic behaviors too that results in such cases. Never let anyone you love have weapons with them especially if you know they are emotionally weak or too aggressive at times. Also understanding that some past traumas have shaped this person in who he/she is today and putting in effort to build a bond strong enough to let him/her come out of that dark phase of life either by friendship, counseling or any other motivation can truly work in this regard. See what is missing in their lives, check how you may support or help them in any way. Don’t let anyone take his life just because of our negligence. Don’t let someone feel alone in your presence. Don’t be too critical about anyone. Just because everyone is criticizing some person doesn’t mean we need to add our share too. In the end we all are humans, we all make mistakes, we learn, we grow and we change.
Embrace yourself. Love yourself. Heal others.
