MY THOUGHTS ON DEPRESSION

Depression, which has led many into many into self-destruction more so many youth. As my literary lover & queen, Chimamanda Ngozi Adiiche rightly made we faithfuls know in her masterpiece Americannah some think & say depression is “American”. Really, is it just “american”? No, even Nigerians & Africans & Europeans & Asians suffer it.
Depression one can say is a severe, typically prolonged, feelings of despondency and dejection. Depression is a state of low mood and aversion to activity that can affect a person’s thoughts, behaviour, feelings and sense of well-being. Depressed people can feel sad, anxious, empty, hopeless, worried, helpless, worthless, guilty, irritable, hurt, or restless. They may lose interest in activities that once were pleasurable, experience loss of appetite or overeating, have problems concentrating, remembering details, or making decisions, and may contemplate, attempt, or commit suicide. Insomnia, excessive sleeping, fatigue, loss of energy, or aches, pains, or digestive problems may also be present.
Some say depression isn’t normal. Others see it as being too “American” if you get, but really who doesn’t feel depressed. Take a trip down memory lane, hasn’t it occurred to you that at a point in your life, there has been this point in your life when you felt like everything was lost, you had nothing left, you felt empty, felt unloved, felt empty, guilty for no crime committed at all, irritated, anxious, sad, felt hopeless upon helpless and above all depressed. Teenagers being at a greater risk of being depressed, are often asked what they really think about. Adults undoubtedly, have lived more and experienced more so they should be more prone to depression. This shouldn’t rule out the fact teenagers too might have things worrying them as they too are humans. Life events can drive one into feeling depressed. What do you expect a teenager who was been sexually abused to do? Feel happy about that huh? Or a smallish student who is always bullied at school? How about a disabled teen, who can’t enjoy life like other teens are? A cancer patient, who feels humiliated? You shouldn’t expect less.
Depression is somewhat normal. But no matter how depressed you ever feel NEVER think or attempt suicide. That’s sin. Even God himself loathes it. Its like jumping from pain to pain, because even after killing yourself, you’d end up in hell and that implies eternal pain. For those who aren’t depressed, you can help those depressed one out: the key to their happiness lie in your hands. I used to know person who had a severe case of clinical depression, but all that is gone now. Make them see light amidst their darkness, fullness of life amidst their emptiness, happiness amidst sadness, love amidst their challenges and then, just then you can say, ” I’ve successfully saved one life”. Engage them in long-term discussions, tell them about how much Jesus loves them, buy them gifts, take them out, share fun times with them, encourage them. Make them feel special, they’re human beings too. All they need- LOVE!