Sadness

I know it too well. You’re not alone… Yeah! The whole bubbly feeling gone poof! Like bubbles burst literally or hot gone cold. Some people can’t snap out of it so easily like you pretend to. They give it a name: most common mental illness. Sometimes, if you are lucky to find support in a non-judgmental environment, you may be given pills for the depression. Sadly, not many people get the help they require. If you don’t castigate me for taking analgesics when I have headaches, why should I be shamed for taking a brain analgesic or for speaking to my therapist.

Say it! So you’re sick in the head? Is that what you call this? Truth is, it takes a while for me to handle some chemicals released in my brain, differently from you. Should I be ashamed for being myself? Tell me! This is me yelling for no reason because I think you do not hear me. You’re further than I thought!

I am sad. Sadder than normal. I will take my time to accept what I feel and be thankful that I can at least feel something. I’m alive! That’s true. Not dead. I have opportunities to make of myself something worthwhile. Make the next person at least a bit happier than myself. I will focus on one victory at a time. Fill my life bucket with things I treasure. So that when you come with all your usual demands, negativity, and chitchat that runs me dry, I’ll be just prepared. Then I’d do it again. Fill up again. I accept the cycle of it all. Up and down, goes my breath. Up and down, goes the sinusoidal waves of electric voltage and current. Up and down, up and down, goes life.

Don’t you worry about me. I might be sad for a while, but I know the cycle too well. I’ve mastered it. Just don’t shame me for being sad or for seeking support during my downtime. – Anonymous

This is from the mind of someone who had recently dealt with medical depression. Please stop shaming mental illness or the help that should come with being ill. If physical ailments deserve attention, and if spiritual support is freely offered, then mental health support should be made available when needed.

Everyone experiences sadness once in a while and as such, is normal. Even Jesus wept. Jesus slept too. Jesus questioned his life purpose when he requested for change of plans. He’s gone through worse for us to know we can always overcome, no matter what. When symptoms of depression, according to the National Institute of Mental Health, persists for more than two weeks, please seek help and support.

Grief, loss of loved ones, changes in proposed plans, unexpected events and even bullying can be triggers to sadness, if unattended to for extended periods, likely depression.

This is for us all to be able to recognize and empathize with anyone who might be struggling with sadness or depression.

Please speak up if you’re facing any health issues of any kind. There are several support systems and many health institutions are happy to refer you to some of these mental health care and support depending on where you are.

Remember, health is wealth! Physically, mentally, financially, spiritually, really, in all wise. Take yourself seriously. You deserve that much.

With love, Wonuola Olawale.