Life asks a lot of questions, and we ask ourselves questions too. The why and why me syndrome is difficult and loaded one.
Situations and challenges sometimes box us into a corner, and at moments like this as human beings a lot go on in our minds, and if the support system is low or non existent depression could set in.
A lot is going on in the world today, and as a Nigerian, I will narrow it down to my immediate environment. It is a forgone conclusion that things are tough. The situation has become about the fittest surviving at the detriment of those who can’t; people are just hanging on there.
Believe me, a lot of people are losing it, and they are slowly slipping into depression. Please, if you haven’t seen a friend, neighbour or relative in a while, make it a point of duty to check on him or her.
Some people may say, ‘ I am also going through a lot’ ; yes, I am not disputing that, but our coping mechanism differs.
Collette, used to be vibrant and full of life. She was the light in the office and life of the party. She was the rallying point of her friends and family.
She made sure that everyone was fine. In short, she looked out for everyone’s well-being, both family and friends.
Suddenly, she became withdrawn and quiet; keeping to herself and refusing to go out or mix with people.
Her close friends began to notice she was adding weight fast and some even pulled her legs and asked if she was pregnant because they all knew how finicky Collette is about her size.
Her mother noticed too and asked her if she had problems at work. Collette had a very good and well paying job; so, losing it could be devastating as she was more or less her family’s money bag. She actually didn’t mind taking care of her mum and only sibling.
It didn’t take Collette long to become a shadow of herself, some of her friends became very worried about her and some derided her with one of the issues which led to her present state; pregnancy!
Unknown to many, Collette was battling with a severe health condition, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome ( PCOS), a health condition which causes an imbalance of reproductive hormones which leads to irregular or absent of menstrual periods, infertility and high androgen levels that leads to acne, weight gain and excessive hair growth.
She had been dealing with this condition for a while and the situation became a serious issue when her boyfriend of over four years broke up with her because, according to him, he couldn’t cope again, and he wasn’t sure there would not be problems in the future.
For Matt, his financial situation led him to his lowest. He lost a lot of money in a business deal and he turned to drinking and smoking and he became inconsolable. His close friends and family members tried to talk him out of this situation but he just couldn’t handle it.
Just recently, on social media, the story of a lady, a singer, has been circulating. She was seen in tears pleading that she couldn’t take it any more. Who on earth knows what she is dealing with? Some people will chastise her, but for goodness sakes, it is good to be nice. At least, she spoke up, the majority of others die in silence. He who wears the shoes knows where it pinches most.
A lot of issues can lead people into depression, Colletts health issues pushed her overboard. For Matt, he lost money; other issues like, marital problems, childlessness, joblessness, emotional problems, environmental factors, unfriendly talks, teasing, bullying, financial, physical and psychological abuse among others.
Long and short, depression is real and it is rampant today. When then are the signs of depression; persistent sadness, anxiety, feeling of hopelessness, irritability, frustration, restlessness, feeling of guilt, worthlessness and low self esteem?
It could also come with low concentration, hopelessness about the future, thoughts about dying or subside, disrupted sleep or complete state of sleeplessness, change in appetite or weight, feeling very tired or low in energy among other signs.
It is important to know that one person cannot exhibit all these signs. The most important thing is to be able to recognize one or some of these signs or symptoms and help the person out.
Please, let us show love, compassion and empathy. Do not be quick to judge or condemn other people. Be patient and nice with your words. Cruel words mockery and slander kill, and they add to people’s problems.
You don’t know what the man/ woman seated beside you is passing through; be nice!
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