Depressing the Depression

Depression is a silent killer, that attacks at times we least expect it. It’s very important that we become aware of this so that we could fight it and help others.

We recently heard the tragic news about acclaimed actor Robin Williams committing suicide. Messages of loss, sympathy and honor for his great contributions in the field of film have spread all over the world after his death. And yet, as the actor lays to rest, it’s saddening to see that a man who has been battling depression all his life would still be called a coward.

Depression is a problem that should not be taken lightly.  Anyone could be a victim. It’s a state of mind that affects even the happiest of people. I even consider Mr. William’s death an irony of life, as him being a man known to have brought smiles and happiness to many could also be so sad and alone all this time.

Depression is a condition commonly mistaken as simply a feeling of beingblue. Yes, both sadness and depression may relate to experiencing something unpleasant in life, like a loss of a loved one, or simply getting low grades from a quiz you studied hard on. But they’re completely different in many levels.

Sadness is a normal emotion. It’s not constant and it slowly diminishes. Depression on the other hand, doesn’t. Depression is sadness that reached to a point that lifestyle and health are affected. Sadness disappears after watching your favorite movie but depression often does not. This is when the condition gets serious because depression slowly darkens the mind of its victim. It loses the victim’s capacity to enjoy life.

Depression is a disorder that cannot merely disappear by being cheered up.

We might consider seeking the help of our friends. But their usual answers “Gutom lang yan!” or “Idaan na lang sa tagay!” are not enough, even to the more understanding member of the barkada who would willingly listen and give you advice.

A proper treatment at the local psychiatrist or to the guidance counselor should be done to be given the right therapies needed. We should definitely consider this because these specialists know the science of what’s going on with our brain that our friends may not.

Furthermore, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), only one (1) out of three Filipinos experiencing depression seeks the help of a specialist. Some will even go on living their lives completely unaware of their condition due to the misconceptions mentioned.

This is important to take note because the two out of three Filipinos who are not seeking help are the ones more prone to committing suicide.

I hope that from the debunked misconceptions and better definition we could get a greater grasp of what depression really is.

To all those battling depression, and to those sad and traumatized, please seek help. And it never hurts to talk to your friends and loved ones. You are never alone.(Karl Licayan)