Posting an article that I had written sometime back but hesitated to publish. Today seems like the right day to do so.
The American Psychiatric Association defines depression as
A common and serious medical illness that negatively affects how you feel, the way you think and how you act.
Many as times it is the ‘act’ part that people pay a heavy price for. Depression makes you do things that you may not have otherwise even thought about in your wildest dreams. There are many reasons as to why a person who appears to have it all sorted might end up taking a drastic step.
If you happened to click on this link and read this post then I believe, you like me have experienced low points at some or other point in your life. Experts say that it is natural to feel low or depressed sometimes. But when it starts affecting your daily routine or makes you want to stop doing the things you otherwise loved to, then it is time to seek help. There is no shame in doing so.
One of the known causes of Depression is stress and emotional abuse.
It is surprising how we humans intentionally or unintentionally contribute to others misery. Have you ever looked back at the end of your day and wondered if anything you had done or said might have negatively affected someone, most often a loved one? Think about it.
Have you ever compared a child’s abilities with that of another? Casually asked him or her about his board exam scores in front of his/her family? Or asked someone if he or she had got a job yet? Or perhaps asked your cousin if his or her daughter has got married yet? Or passed a “well-intended” comment that she was getting old and was better if married off early? Ever commented on someone’s lifestyle choices, physique or skin tone? You would be lying if you say No.
Wondered what a lasting impression your comment might have left in their mind? What if your little comment gave birth to a seemingly innocuous insect in their mind that over the years grew stronger like a reptile and strangled them from within? Today children as young as thirteen are attempting suicide for the smallest of the reasons. Most often they are convinced that they are not good enough or not up to the mark that their family has set.
I believe we can all make an effort to stop this by refraining from commenting on other’s lives and choices. Words are powerful. They can make or break a person. There are studies where a plant that was spoken to lovingly for many days blossomed while the one that was cursed withered and died. If that is the impact of words on a plant imagine its effect on a human mind.
Ending this post with the image below. Feel free to add your opinions and experiences in the comments below.
Stay Home, Stay Safe, Stay Happy.
Love,
Ashwini
