How many of us know what depression really is? Well, I bet a handful. I myself do not even know the complexities of the condition. I'm not an expert. The things that spring to mind when I heard about it is something really dark (may it be in literal sense) and that cannot be put into context.  Someone who is excruciatingly suffering from loneliness - loneliness that is incomparable that others can never fathom. Social withdrawal and isolation, the loss of interest to things that once matter, and the inability to see the light at the end of a tunnel, in other words, being hopeless. 

https://dz9yg0snnohlc.cloudfront.net/understanding-recognizing-the-warning-signs-of-depression-1.jpg

[Image Source](https://dz9yg0snnohlc.cloudfront.net/understanding-recognizing-the-warning-signs-of-depression-1.jpg)

As an online English tutor, I met several students of mine who confessed that they did experience that condition. In spite of the stigma in the society like for some people who raised their  eyebrows to those who have mental issues, my students were brave enough to tell me how they suffered. One of them became my very close student that we became friends. We kept in touch every now and then, though I do not handle her English conversation class anymore. 

She narrated her story. She wanted to die. She quit her high-paying job and left herself in a room alone until her sister needed to take action to help her. Her sister decided to live with her and took care of her - from bathing, taking a shower, and preparing her food. She recalled how tasteless the food was that she only wanted one kind of food - bread. In addition, she recollected  how emotionless she was. She simply wanted to disappear. 

https://i.pinimg.com/736x/53/09/2a/53092abeb1a6c090803d887d8819ded6--depression-monster-black-dog-depression.jpg
[Image Source](https://i.pinimg.com/736x/53/09/2a/53092abeb1a6c090803d887d8819ded6--depression-monster-black-dog-depression.jpg)

But thanks to her sister who unconditionally supported her by all means, she overcame the condition. She saw the light at the end of the tunnel and picked herself up. Because of her story,  I got the opportunity to understand the struggles that depressed people have gone through. My knowledge may not be enough but at least I know some. 



The condition should never be taken for granted and it shouldn't be taken lightly.  I could never forgive myself if one of my loved ones would go through that and I would act as if there was nothing. Everyone can change someone's lives by being concerned with others. That one act of kindness goes a long way. 

Below is a dark poem, illustrating a person who has suicidal thoughts because of an overwhelming suffering - may it be love, money, career, family, etc.  It is titled "27" and it can be interpreted in many ways. May it be age, number of attempts of killing oneself, ... The purpose of the poem is to make people aware of how dangerous a suicidal person is. And it's all up to the readers on how they would respond or take action when a person they know is in that situation. 


_27_
_By: @julsmlz_

_Thump._
_Your heart crushes a scale._
_Howl._
_Just within that no one else can feel._


_Why's your sun bounded,_
_but your moon's infinite?_
_You've been real,_
_But he might care the fools._


_You're a great masterpiece._
_A one-of-a-kind to see._ 
_Please..._


_Straightaway to head, then forever silence._
_All dreams smash into smithereens._

-end-



PS. I think Steemit is a good platform to express. ^^