Understanding Depression
A Personal Story and How to Help:
A friend of mine experienced depression a few years ago. This is an incredibly personal and vulnerable part of her journey, but Priya chose to share it openly. She has come to realize that many others face similar struggles.
I have never struggled with mental health as bad as I have currently been. It is not only mental but also physical in so many ways. I myself am my biggest bully. I pick on myself for how I look, what I do, and how I am. I tell myself that I'm damaged and that no one is going to love me because of that. When someone wants me in their life, it's because they can use me physically and abuse me emotionally. Like a bully, I’ll take food away from myself as the thought of food disgusts me and the thought of gaining another unwanted pound will make me undesirable to anyone. The bully has convinced me that the only way to escape the pain and negativeness is to cease to exist.
So I retreated and isolated myself. The thought that even the people I thought closest to me don’t care if I live or die either causes huge feelings and thoughts of being alone and abandoned. Never did I think I’d find myself at that low and dark of a place that the thought of taking my own life was what I wanted and tried to do.
Everyone can claim to be there but not actually be, and when your support system is nonexistent, still it’s hard to get out of that dark place because in this world I believe I am unloved and unwanted.
Priya is now in a much better place in her mental health journey, able to process her thoughts and emotions with a more positive approach. But this does not mean that the battle with depression is over. It remains a day-to-day challenge in her life, one that she manages with the proper tools to appreciate each day as a gift. Priya hopes that by sharing her story, others who may feel alone in their struggles can find strength, hope, and the courage to keep going.
Priya’s journey is a testament to the resilience it takes to confront and manage depression. While she continues to navigate this challenge, her story highlights the importance of understanding, support, and compassion in overcoming such struggles. It also serves as a reminder that depression is not always visible and can affect anyone, often in silence.
For those who may be wondering how to recognize and support someone dealing with depression, there are key signs to look for and ways to provide meaningful help.
How to Identify Someone Going Through Depression
Recognizing the signs of depression in someone you care about can make a difference. Some common signs include:
Withdrawing from social activities or isolating themselves.
Expressing feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, or guilt.
Loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed.
Significant changes in appetite or sleep patterns.
Physical symptoms such as fatigue or lack of energy.
Frequent mentions of feeling overwhelmed, unimportant, or suicidal.
Ways to Support Someone Going Through Depression
If you notice these signs, there are meaningful ways you can support:
Listen Without Judgment: Let them express their feelings without trying to fix things. Acknowledge their pain and reassure them that you’re there.
Encourage Professional Help: Gently suggest they reach out to a therapist, counselor, or doctor for support. Offer to help them find resources or attend appointments if needed.
Be Patient: Recovery is a process, and it takes time. Avoid pressuring them to “snap out of it.”
Check In Regularly: Consistent contact shows them that they are not alone. Even small gestures like sending a text or inviting them for a walk can mean a lot.
Educate Yourself: Learn about depression to better understand their experience and avoid misconceptions.
Offer Practical Help: Depression can make daily tasks feel overwhelming. Offer assistance with things like errands, cooking, or childcare.
Encourage Healthy Habits: Suggest simple, manageable actions like taking a walk, eating a meal together, or practicing mindfulness.
Remember, supporting someone with depression doesn’t mean you need to have all the answers—it’s about being present and showing kindness. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger or experiencing suicidal thoughts, reach out to a crisis hotline or emergency services for help.
If you or someone you know is struggling with depression or experiencing suicidal thoughts, there is help available. In Canada, the 9-8-8 service provides a nationwide, 24/7 suicide prevention and crisis support line. By calling or texting 9-8-8, individuals can connect with trained responders who offer trauma-informed and culturally affirming support in both English and French. This service is a lifeline for those in need, offering immediate help to anyone experiencing emotional distress or thoughts of self-harm. Every day is a gift, and reaching out for support is a courageous and vital step toward healing.
https://www.camh.ca/en/driving-change/988
Relatable article: Cultivating Mental Wellness — Blessed Ways of Life
Video on depression: Understanding and Supporting Depression
