‘No visible symptoms, no runny nose, just a head full of darkness. No fever, no fracture, no sprains, just a longing for something unable to explain.’ Human actions rely on temptations. The temptation to eat when you diet, temptation to relax after a long working day; and temptation to stop in face of multiple adversities.
Emotions are a complex set of human features that can neither be predicted accurately and sometimes are inexplicable too, some might just be the state of mind and some might be governed by what happens in our lives, our peers, our social interactions, and our surroundings, some may be preempted and some a consequence. There are many people who go through devastating stuff for weeks, or months, or years making them feel miserable, an emotion that arises with a feeling that feels like their life is doomed. But one has to realize that keeping this turmoil inside, burying it in our heart is just going to make us explode in a bad way someday which may be too late to control, a point at which we will no longer be able to control our emotions because of the burden that our heart may be carrying knowingly or unknowingly. That is the time that puts a question mark with respect to our mental health.
Our heart under that kind of pressure, has the ability to adapt itself in different ways and means in which situations and conditions that may appease us to relieve us of that pressure may develop but will contradict meical and health fitness as they may impact the brain negatively in the long run. Everything heals at a pace that is best for it, and so does our heart and the hurt it might have been facmedicaled with. All of them know that there is no better healer than time. But if not dealt with the right way and patiently, may lead to mental illnesses.
So, don’t let your heart take all the burden, let your heart not be the landfill for emotions. But a place to believe that ‘Life is beautiful’ where you go through obstacles; you recover and you become better than ever and every such incident helps to grow into a better version of ourselves. That’s the cycle of life.
The following is a case study that highlights the stages of mental health of an adolescent.
Lynda is a 16-year-old, white female admitted to Bradley Hospital on 10/3/00 because of active suicidal ideations manifested by holding a knife to her arm that morning. This was accompanied by thoughts of hanging herself by wrapping a telephone cord around her neck. Lynda has a history of suicidal ideation and has tried to cut herself in the past, but reported that the knife would not penetrate her skin. She was concerned that she would not be able to stop herself again.
Lynda reported depression for the past 2 years and an obsession with death since 8th grade. She is an obese female who appeared sad, making poor eye contact and demonstrating poor social skills. Her affect was flat and apathetic. Lynda reported difficulty sleeping, decreased energy, irritable mood, and trouble with her appetite. She also reported significant feelings of worthlessness, helplessness, and hopelessness.
In addition to the above symptoms, Lynda spoke about her imaginary friends, which she has had since 6 years of age. The characters are from television and movies, and she acts out their voices and argues with them. She recognizes that they are not real, but she will avoid her friends spending time with her imaginary ones. She reported one auditory hallucination, a week before her admission, as a voice telling her to get out of bed to feel better.
Lynda presents with a complex case exhibiting many of the risk factors and complications of childhood MDD. Since her family has refused medication, it is especially important that she receive adequate counseling along with their support to overcome her illness.
Diagnosed clinical depression is not something to fear or something to be ashamed of. People suffering from clinical depression need to be aware that this is not a simple ‘state of mind’ or a cold-like disease that marks them as defective. However, it is a condition in which emotions can act negatively for the said person and hence make life go topsy turvy completely. Frequent sharp mood changes, fear of losing control and feeling overwhelmed is a common trait observed across diagnosed patients; and to try to combat such clinical depression, the person has to first come with terms with their emotions and gather strength to understand what they actually are dealing with.
From the case study, we all get to know what the girl was feeling. But do we actually know why? There are many thin lines in such cases which are not as prominent and hence may either be overlooked or may not seem to be something that needs to be dealt with. But they actually are the ones that one needs to look out for. But can we know for sure? No, that is not possible. Only Lynda knew what she was thinking and wanted. All we can do from such stories is learn. Learn how worsening your condition leads to pain and how we can prevent it.
The following video is inspiring. It will drive you to get up, do more, fight more and live more.
Even if you are suffering at the moment, it is not a feeling or a situation that is permanent. You will get to smile again. There is always a person or an object that can make that smile come back. Who the person or object is may differ; be it parents or friends or other family members and anyone whom you know or maybe just an acquaintance too. One has to realize that whatever is going on is not permanent. Yes, the world may have its share of sorrows, everyday something happens to someone that devastates the person but there are ways to overcome it.
Everyone has a different way of dealing with it. For some, sharing their stories with others is one, talking to people whoever you are comfortable with, and share your grief maybe another. It makes the heart feel warmer and lighter and gives it the ray of hope that all look out for. It prevents your mental health from worsening. If you are an introvert or are not comfortable sharing your griefs or do not feel ready to talk then just relaxing yourself a bit may be the shot that you must take. Using something that makes you happy during normal times, like watching tv, or reading books, or simply sitting alone and thinking or probably discovering yourself may also be the just that medication that will do wonders. Don’t waste time overthinking about what is done. Think about how to recover from it. Prevent the grief from controlling you and leading you to dangerous places.
Everyone has a special thing that does the magic. What that is, is for you to discover and it needs to soon enough. Try new things and find what comforts you the most. If you still don’t know what to think, just know what you have a valuable and priceless place in the world which no one else can fill. That you are someone’s loved one and that you are not alone and most importantly that you are indispensable to many! In life the path is defined by the possessor, the success and failures depend on the proprietor, the progress is affected by the elucidator, the outcomes are laid by the interpreter. It is your life and it is up to you to make amends or to suspend. Just remember ‘clouds will come floating into your life, not to carry rain or storms but to add color to your sunset sky’. Be positive, take charge of your mental and physical health and most importantly be happy!