Let’s be honest. Life can sometimes feel like a badly written movie. One moment you are the star of your own action-packed blockbuster, and the next, you are stuck in a never-ending tragic documentary nobody asked for. Welcome to the weird world of depression, where your mind decides to go on strike while leaving you to explain to everybody why you no longer find puppies cute.
Now, do not get it twisted. Depression is not just about being sad. If it were, a tub of ice cream and your favourite playlist would have solved the matter. No, this one is a master of disguise. Some days it is “I’m fine” while your pillow has soaked up enough tears to qualify as a swimming pool. Other days, it is laughing with friends while mentally negotiating your escape from planet Earth.
SYMPTOMS OR HOW YOUR MIND BECOMES AN UNPAID DRAMA DIRECTOR
Depression loves drama. It is that voice in your head that convinces you you are useless, unlovable, and that your best days were in primary school when your biggest problem was finishing your assignment before cartoon time. You lose interest in everything — food, friends, football, gossip, and even that noisy neighbour’s latest scandal.
You might sleep too much or barely sleep at all. Some eat like they are preparing for a famine, while others push food around like it personally offended them. Your favourite music becomes noise, your mirror reflection looks like a tired potato, and motivation vanishes like your salary at the end of the month.
DEPRESSION DOES NOT CARE WHO YOU ARE
It does not matter if you are a president, a school teacher, a market woman, or that social media influencer with perfect selfies. Depression visits anyone, anywhere, anyhow. The worst part is, people expect you to “cheer up” as if it is that simple. If fixing depression were that easy, nobody would be miserable. We would all just eat suya, dance to old-school jams, and keep it moving.
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
First, talk to someone. Not every battle must be fought alone. Find a friend, a counsellor, a doctor, or that one auntie that always claims to have “seen it all” in 1978. Sometimes, just speaking up makes a world of difference.
Get professional help if you need it. Therapy is not only for those you see in movies. Real people do therapy, and it works. It is not magic, but it helps you understand your mind’s strange behaviour and how to gently drag it back to the bright side.
Also, do not underestimate small things. A walk, a favourite snack, old cartoons, or playing a silly game can be the little spark you need. It will not fix everything, but it might remind you that you can still smile.
IN CONCLUSION
Depression is real. It messes with your head, your heart, and your hustle. It hides behind “I am fine” and steals joy without warning. But one thing is certain — you are not alone, and this phase is not the end of your story. So, laugh when you can, cry if you must, and always remember, even the worst storms run out of rain.
If life insists on being dramatic, at least grab popcorn and give yourself credit for staying through the plot twists.
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