I’ve battled with depression for a couple of years already. What started out as what I thought was a simple funk became something I discovered ran in my family. Later, I was diagnosed with it. There have been times when I have hit an indescribable low; when people have asked me “What’s going on?” and I find it extremely challenging to put into words what I’m feeling. For the longest time, I was afraid of seeking for help out of fear of being misunderstood due to the stigma surrounding mental health. But just because these issues aren’t freely brought up in conversation doesn’t mean they should be hidden under the mat.
I thank the creators of this bingeable show for putting together such a raw, eye-opening series that sheds light on teen suicide, bullying, rape, and so many other issues teens and young adults face. In the age of social media, it’s important to be considerate of how we treat others behind our computers or cell phones, because nasty comments are painful to read. This show is a reminder for adults who did not grow up in this tech era that technology can be poisonous. It shows parents not to brush off teen concerns as a phase or something that will soon pass, because at the moment their concerns feel eternal. One event that we may deem “insignificant” or “minor” may begin a domino effect leading to something devastating, such as the loss of a life.
What’s most important is that this show teaches us to not turn our backs on people that are suffering. It teaches us to uplift one another and always be kind to others regardless of how they carry their lives, because we don’t know what demons they are dealing with internally. The cry for help won’t always be 100% apparent, but there are signs that someone might be in danger. Withdrawing from friends and family, making hopeless statements, and losing interests in activities are just a couple of red flags we should all be aware of. Be a good listener, give a tight hug if you’re permitted, assure them they are in a healthy safe place when they talk to you, and know when to seek out professional help if needed.
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