It’s Over, At Last
“Sir, this is probably my last message to you as I will no longer use this number. I’ve decided to quit. I didn’t go for the final exams at all. Just locked myself away, don’t worry, am not doing something stupid. Thanks for your words of encouragement, you’re so kind, but my depression has taken control of me. I think it’s better for me to go and leave this miserable journey. I am too disappointed of myself, sorry, I couldn’t see you before I leave, may you be blessed always and have a great new year. I will message you when I am ready. Sorry. Really sorry sir”.
I literally went speechless for a few minutes when reading this text from my student. I was fearing for the worst but at the same time thankful that the student has finally made up her mind. She held on for a while, making progress but I sort of predicted this inevitable ending, ironically it comes in the beginning of a renewed promise. Life is full of ironies anyway, like how many get tired of living but they still continue to breathe. At least, she can finally move on and perhaps having a stronger start in the new journey.
She’s been getting professional help from many specialists but surely it is not as easy as telling her “don’t worry too much, everything will be okay”. Depression is more than just a low mood or having negative thoughts. People within the circle should also be ready to respond appropriately, giving the much-needed support system rather than making it worse.
The truth is, all of us experience unhappy situations but there’s a huge difference between experiencing occasional unhappiness and living a habitually unhappy life, which can indirectly lead to clinical depressions. One thing that I noticed is that such “habitual unhappy lifestyle” is a result of constant self-neglect. Many people sacrificed themselves for the sake of making other people happy. And for years, they suffered.
So, if you’re starting to ignore youself, perhaps it’s high time to heal yourself by choosing to take up more space for yourself and put self-love one of your top priorities. It’s hard, but true strength is in the heart and soul, not in muscles. I believe you can rise stronger each day.
