Flower Power - A lesson about depression
The most precious gift we can offer anyone is our attention. When mindfulness embraces those we love, they will bloom like flowers. - Thich Nhat Hanh
It's common knowledge that in order for a flower to bloom it would need your attention and care. You don't just plant a seed and wait for it to bloom on its own without you watering it.
Recently, someone close to me admitted that he doesn't want to live anymore. Feeling shocked was an understatement. I never expected him to have thoughts like that. He was a joker. When we were together, he always has some joke up his sleeve. For someone who has been seeing news and posts about people with depression and people who commit suicide, I always pray that no one would ever feel that way, especially people dear to me. He told me that he's been thinking about it for a long time already. I never even noticed it even though I always see him. He was drunk when he confessed but I don't think it's just because he had a couple of drinks. Because nights after that, he keeps on telling it to me. He feels like no one appreciates him anymore. He doesn't know what's his purpose in life. I tried talking to him but I always end up crying. And when I start to get emotional, he tells me to stop and leaves me there. I feel like he doesn't want anyone to see him get emotional too. I started to think about how I treat him lately and I realized that I haven't been giving him much attention. I was too worked up with my own problems that I didn't have time for other people anymore. I was too insensitive that I didn't notice that other people need my help with dealing with their own problems too. Honestly, I was kind of a snob towards him because I was too stressed with my own life. I know stress shouldn't be a reason for someone to treat other people that way. I am ashamed of myself because I'm one of the reasons why he feels that way. When he sends me a message asking me how am I, I don't reply. When he talks to me and asks something I answer rudely. I realize now that that was him asking for help from others. Just like a flower, he slowly withered when no one was watering him. He didn't feel loved and important in anyone's life. So now, I am changing to help him get back on his feet.
I am writing this post to let everyone be aware of the people around them. No one is too busy to not be able to talk with their close friends and family. Be kind to others because you never know what they're going through. Don't wait for that moment that they give up on life and don't want to live anymore, just like what I did. Don't be like me.
For people who's been struggling lately, don't give up. You are loved.
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It's good that you become aware of it while it's early. He's brave to tell you about it and to ask for help. People shouldn't be afraid to ask for help. Mental illness is not a joke. I hope he feels better already.
Keep reminding him that he's important and there are people who love him. There's so much that life can offer us. Suicide is not going to solve anything.
I hope so too. I hope my late night talks with him helped him even a little bit. Kind words would go a long way.
I hope he won't do it!! Please encourage him not to. :( tell your friend that life is wonderful. Please let him feel his importance and that he is loved especially by the Lord. As far as I know, true feelings of people with depression or anxiety is not apparent with how they talk or how they do. It is important that he always have a company whom he can talk to all the time and bear in his mind to choose to live. Whatever it is that he's going through, I am praying for him and of course for you @mariaklarits.
Thank you for your kind words and prayer. I'll do everything I can to help him.
Beautiful post. I'm kinda glad that mental Awareness is being discussed now as 1 out of 4 people are suffering from one form or another and a lot goes undiagnosed.
I have counseled a lot of people who had felt lost and unloved and I have never said to them that it is made up as some inconsiderate bastard did (I know he apologized)
The only thing that you do really is just be there. Don't push the person to get better. Make them feel that they are loved and matter.
Funny how a lot of those with depression wear the brightest smiles and have the funniest jokes but deep inside they are shouting out and in pain.
Thank you for what you did to your friend.
@originalworks
I'm just so glad that he was brave to admit it to himself and to me. I'll surely make him feel loved and appreciated.
P.S. yes that "inconsiderate bastard" apologized but I don't think he changed his opinion.
#untalented @steem-untalented
That was a well written article worthy of being resteemed and upvoted. It is not much, running a little low in SP right now. I will be following you. See you around.
thank you so much for your support @ankarlie!
Nice post!Depression is really a serious matter,,I'm glad that he was able to open up to you now and you already know that he needs it..In such situations, having someone to talk to and knowing that it's not the end of everything are great help in coping up with it..👍🙂
I agree. Good thing he opened up to me because I was too insensitive that I didn't even notice he was already asking help from me weeks ago.
Ik glad that your helping your friend out now. Dont let him do such thing. Just tell your friend that he is always important to you even if your giving your friend attention sometimes.
I'm also glad that he had the courage to share his problems with me. I he didn't I don't think I would've realized something is wrong.
Thank you Klar! Pray for those who are struggling. There’s power in caring.
I agree with that, Thank you for your kind words!
I did have a friend before and I never noticed it. So now I'm really trying to be aware of the signs and preparing myself to help when needed.
Let's just be kind and sensitive with other people's feelings so as not to make them feel unloved and unappreciated.
@originalworks
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