Depression is one hushed topic in my country even though it is one of the threatening and dominating mental illness affecting people of all aged, yes, you read that right, it was shocking to me when I recently heard the news of a young girl of about 12 years in high school who almost lost her life due to depression as a result of bully in her school, she was found almost lifeless in her room, just to avoid going to school she attempted taking her life with poison, a fellow school mate was was bold enough to report to her parent, who likewise took up the case from there and sought help for her while the culprits/bullies were punished.

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There are several causes of depression and might be unique or common to some people, the very common one in my country happens to be the depressing state of the economy situation of the country, making life difficult for everyone, especially the common man, and in cases where one isn't conscious of the fact that there is need for constant check of your mood/mental state, activities you involve in, also the kind of company you keep as these things can either worsen your mood, making you unhappy and falling deeper into depression, or they can better still, liven your mood and help you rise above depression and sad state depending on the choices you make.

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Do you know that depression is one of the tricky and hard to detect form of illness, especially in my country where people term mental illness as a taboo and would rather hide their condition than seek help, someone might be dying inside but still put up a smiling face on the outside, it's only when the case of suicide happens or other extreme circumstances, we start questioning "what happened? "She looked happy, not knowing that the reverse was the case, this is one of the many reasons I hate when people make people feel unhappy, or transfer their aggression anyhow, like the popular quote, if you can't add to someone's joy, do not even bother crossing their path and add to their sorrow, don't be the reason someone feels bad for stepping out of their homes today, render help when you can, greet people with a smile and ask how they are, you might not have anything to give, but just asking might make someone unburden their heavily loaded heart of worries, and for a fact, speaking out, sort of liberates us.

Which leads to my very last but not the least point that helps alleviate depression, surround yourself with good friends, even if it's just one good friend, or a family member you can share your burdens with, for me at my worst time, I find it very easy to talk to my mum or my pastor, somehow talking to these two people in my life has made me cross most of my biggest turbulent stages in life, a listening ear that understands you, even when you are quiet, they know when something is off and would always want to be there for you, don't be an island, we all need each other to survive.

When there is life, there is hope, it might seem dark now, but know there would always be light at the end of the tunnel,seek help when you feel at your worst, don't let the society shame you into burying yourself in depression, you are stronger than you think, stay strong!

This post is inspired by the #octoberinleo monthly prompt day 6, check it out and be be inspired on daily writing topics.

Thank you for reading.♥️♥️♥️