I suspect that three-quarters of this planet is currently suffering from one kind of a depression or another. Historically, depression has been either ignored or stigmatised. Its prevalence was grossly underestimated and its shattering effects widely misunderstood. Fortunately, that was then. This is now. It is clearer than ever in this day and age that depression is real – it decimates individuals and families. It is an indiscriminate killer.
Depression is excruciating to experience and soul-destroying to witness firsthand. It does not lend itself to explanation – the reasons for entering into a depression are too numerous to document even if there was all the time in the world. Each depressive has a reason for their pain that is literally inexplicable to the outside world. You need to feel it for yourself to know it. And when you do know it, you will then understand its power.
There are few depressives that would choose to be in the position they find themselves. If you cannot empathise with a depressed person, then at least show compassion for their circumstance. It is quite likely that there are truths and wars raging within them that you know nothing about. It is quite likely that there are moments in each of their days – possibly their everyday – when they think that death would be preferable to life. That does not mean every depressive is a suicide risk, but it does mean that there are plenty of deathwishers contributing to the collective mindset. Remember – thinking makes it so.
C.J. Birch
C.J. Birch 