Depression

Invisible Foe

Disclaimer:
The post is lengthy, around 2000 words, and is not a substitute for any kind of professional medical advice.

For those who’ve made guesses on the title, the invisible enemy is depression and not COVID. The pandemic may end sooner or later but the air of despondency never seems to leave.

I’m deeply affected by the news of Mr. Sushant Singh Rajput’s sudden demise. I’ve adored his movies as well the heights he has reached, and this was out of nowhere. I also got to read his interest in astrophysics, appeal towards tennis, his astonishing bucket list, and talks on his constant learning behaviour. In short, these indicate that he was someone who could pull off many things together and was such an ambitious soul.

“Nobody is actually dead until the ripples they cause in the world die away.“
– Terry Pratchett

Just like how this tragedy popped up discussions on mental health all over the internet, it also triggered me to write this post. However, I don’t want my words to sound like sympathetic music. Continue reading →

Confrontation

Having seen so many distressing experiences of many, also here in the blogging world, I felt compelled to write this post. The timing seems right too – the lock-down and the month of May, which is observed as the Mental Health Awareness Month in the US.

Disclaimer:
The post is lengthy, around 1000 words, and is not a substitute for any kind of medical advice.

What is confrontation?

Confrontation implies hostility. Considering it only on the personal front, it is, in general, disagreement expressed in words between two groups of people.

It need not always be angry or aggressive conflicts. It is something that needs to be addressed urgently in a direct and proactive manner.

When can such situations arise?

The need for confrontation on interpersonal relationships arises mostly as an outcome of intense depression. A major depressive episode may occur once, very rarely with long intervals, or may return repeatedly when any simple incident triggers your worst memories.

The troubles could be based on a relationship issue – mutual misunderstanding, infidelity, disagreements – or even childhood fears.

Is it okay to confront someone who’s close to you?

Many of us fear confrontations, or go to an extreme extent to avoid them completely. This stage could even be an upshot of your own insecurities with the person concerned or the fear of losing them.

The person to be confronted could be to parents, siblings, better-half, friends or even colleagues.

By confronting, you’re not going to kill each other. You know that the people concerned are important ones in your journey. So, consider it as an opportunity to mend broken ties and strengthen your linkages.

“When we speak, we are afraid our words will not be heard or welcomed. But when we are silent, we are still afraid. So, it’s better to speak”.
– Audre Lorde

Often a simple exchange of words mends hearts than prolonged silence. Don’t ever hesitate to be the one to break the silence.

Should you really confront?

Confrontation is the last step to clear your depressed mind.

Confrontation demands courage. You’ve to break all your self-doubts. There’s nothing wrong in Continue reading →