Depression is not a joke

Depression occurs when mental strength is reduced beyond the limit of tolerance. It is a mental illness that can take away the precious life of any person.

But the case is, many people who are in a down situation do not show a sad face to the outside society..

They live a life full of smiles. But it is difficult to recognize the pain behind their smiles..

Many people think that most of the suicides are based on the failure of love. But it is not so. Due to losses, defeats, broken trust, changes in loved ones, etc., one may become depressed.

It is very difficult to understand that people who look strong on the outside are cracked inside. They are good at hiding their pain. They often deal with their friends with a smile.

But at a critical moment in their life, when they feel that no one is there for them, they cannot bear their pain.  They decide to leave their lives.

I decided to write on this because of my roomie. She is a very joyful girl. It is only about a year since we met. She is a very talkative and a forward girl. But suddenly she was changed. She started to miss the lectures and our gatherings. So I asked her problem. She had have a breakup with her boyfriend. Actually she loved him so much as I know. That boy had asked for a breakup. That has made her mind a hell. She was suffering a lot. She said that she tried even for suicide.

Actually it was all the moon. I have no any experience on talking with such a mind. Then I decided to tell this story to another friend. Then we took that girl to my home for few days. She cried a lot. But she shared her all feelings and sufferings with us. Now she is alright with the time.

Still I am very happy as a friend who save my friend’s life. If we were not there, sometimes we would have to loss our friend.

 It has estimated that about 800,000 people in Sri Lanka are suffering from depression for a long time.  Depression is relatively common among women in our country and not without men too.

 But the understanding of mental illness in the Sri Lankan society is very pathetic.  People believe that suffering from depression is a shame.

Some people do not want to accept that depression is a mental illness. They say that it is a lie. Because of this, most people do not seek medical treatment. Also, some people do not even know that depression is a mental illness. It is a mistake that has been brought to life by the culture in this country.

Do you know that depression is more common among women, than men… Women have a completely different hormone system which lead them more emotional. I believe women have more responsibilities in their lives.

Just think as a daughter, wife, mother, sister and a fiancée.  

There are 3 main characteristics of depression.

 • Anxieties that remain in the mind for a long time,

 • Fatigue quickly,

 • Lack of happiness in life.

 And in addition to these main features, there are various other features.

• Uncertainty about the future, feeling worthless.

• Loss of self-confidence, feeling that life's hopes cannot be realized

• Having negative thoughts, pessimistic attitude about everything

• Frequent thoughts of death and suicidal thoughts.

• Anorexia.

• Insomnia, disturbed sleep.

• Laziness, lack of interest in everyday tasks

• Disliking the company of relatives, thinking of isolation.

• Irritating others, getting angry unnecessarily

• Decreased desire for sex

• Abdominal pain, headache, stomach inflammation

• Financial difficulties.

It is not just a mental problem, but because of being sad for a long time without being able to get rid of this pain, it can be developed into depression.

Due to the long duration of this depression, many have become victims of dark fates such as suicide.  It should be understood that depression is not a simple matter.

Mainly young people fall into these depressions mostly because of breakups. Therefore, always try to listen others. Always try to understand others’ mind. If there was a listener in their life, they would not think of losing their lives.

 It is lucky to be loved as well as to be loved. Therefore, if you can recognize the pain behind the smile of your loved ones, you will be a special person.

Having a listener as well as psychological counselling is very important in the life of a depressed person.

Finally, live as a human being with a heart, and understand someone else's pain. Do not act selfishly, thinking that only you have to won, only you have to be happy.

And don't reject someone harshly, don't cheat the people who love you. Be a person with a beautiful heart who gives life to another..

So try to understand your loved ones...💕

 May everyone's hearts be healed.