Ever Wondered What Someone Goes Through Before Taking Their Life? I Have...
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*For representational purpose only.
Have you ever wondered how someone who is about to end their life feels? We can't imagine or understand why someone would want to do so.
Every person has a breaking point, and that breaking point is different for everyone. One may be able to handle more stress, the other a bit less. One may be able to ignore society judging them; the other may not. But that doesn't make one strong and the other weak!
That's the wrong notion that people have about people who suffer from depression, especially those who take their lives.
Depression has different intensities. There's mild depression, moderate, and then severe. In my previous article, I received a comment stating, "We all struggle with depression at some point in life, but taking one's life is not an option!"
I agree with the person stating that taking one's life is not an option, but this attitude of not being able to or even ready to understand the other's state of mind and passing judgment is exactly what's wrong.
Now imagine saying that to someone who confides in you, saying that he or she is having suicidal thoughts, and you reply with this so-called "I've been through this too, but you are thinking too much, and it's wrong! Just wait it out and be patient!"
Will that person ever be confident enough to speak to anyone else? No! That's when they start to bottle up their feelings and then end up feeling trapped to the point that leads to total hopelessness, of never being understood, of never going to be happy and normal again, of having the fear of failing their loved one's expectations and being mocked for the rest of their life!
That goes to the extent when he or she finally gives up the hope of any future at all!
I'm not supporting suicide or trying to put any of those thoughts into your heads (before I'm judged for that!).
All I'm saying is that we can try from our end to get out of our comfort zones of just sitting on the royal throne of judgement and giving a helping hand and a listening ear! Is it really that difficult to try to accept any other view that differs from your own?
All we need to do is listen or see. Not all of them express themselves through words; some express themselves through actions too, like lack of interest, temper tantrums, irritability, etc.
Now please don't call them lazy! Enough of being the perfect person who gets the right to judge others! Yes, enough!
If you can't do what you need to, it's best you remain silent and just nod away. That would be the best! At least it won't get them more torn apart!
The most important thing to do if you suspect or notice any of your loved ones are prone to or suffering from depression is to encourage them to seek professional help.
Along with your love, your comfort, your listening ear, and your understanding, they may need professional help too, and there's nothing to be ashamed of. It's just the same as going to the doctor for a fever or any other physical illness so that he can help you heal faster.
We are hoping that we build a more secure world and environment for those who need more of our love and understanding than our harsh statements and judgements.
Hey, you there! Society! Yes you! Enough! Yes, enough!
