Breakpoint of Depression_Solution is not Suicide

 Background : Suicide forest in Japan

In Japan, there's a place called Aokigahara, near Mount Fuji. It's a big, dense forest, often called the "sea of trees." But sadly, it's also known for something sad - it's one of the places with the most suicides in the world, just after the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco.

Aokigahara has a spooky history. Some believed it was home to vengeful Japanese spirits called yūrei. It's so eerie that they even made a scary movie there in 2016 called "The Forest." But there's more to this story than just ghost stories. It's about depression, suicide, and why it's vital to break the silence about mental health.

Depression: More than Just Feeling Sad

We all feel sad sometimes when life is tough. But depression is different. It's like a dark cloud that hangs over you, making everything seem worse. It can make you feel empty, cranky, or really mad. And it doesn't just affect your mood; it sucks away your energy, hope, and ability to enjoy life. Depression can even make you think about ending your own life.

Depression doesn't care how old you are; it can happen to anyone, including kids and teens. It's hard to spot in young people because they might seem grumpy or difficult. Sometimes, they hide how they feel, pretending everything's fine when it's not.

Mental Health & Suicide

The Link Between Depression and Suicide

Depression, especially when mixed with alcohol or drugs, can lead to suicide. Shockingly, suicide is the second-biggest cause of death for young people aged 10-19. By the time they're 18, around 15% of teens have gone through a major bout of depression. It's a real problem.

But there's good news: depression can be treated. Medicines and talking to someone (we call it "talk therapy") can help, even for young people.

Understanding Suicide: It's Not a Choice

Some people think that suicide is a selfish choice. That's not true. People who think about suicide aren't looking for pleasure or an advantage; they just want to stop hurting so much.

Suicidal thoughts can mess up a person's thinking. They can't see a way out of their pain, and they don't want to die, they just want the hurting to stop. Suicide isn't a clear-headed choice; it's a desperate way to find relief.

Lots of things can lead to suicide, and most of them have nothing to do with choice. Having access to dangerous stuff when you're in crisis and having people around who can help matter a lot. Often, people who think about suicide can't see other options until the worst is over.

Breaking the Silence: Being Kind and Understanding

We have to break the silence about mental health. Stigma is when people judge and treat those who need help unfairly. We don't blame someone for getting hurt physically, so why do it when it's about their feelings?

Let's treat people going through tough times with care, kindness, and a plan for getting better. By being nice and understanding, we can make a real difference. We need to talk about it, get rid of the shame, and help people find a happy life.

Today, more than ever, we know how important mental health is. But there's still work to do to get rid of the shame and misunderstanding about mental problems. It's time to care for people in pain the same way we would if they had a physical injury.

Together, let's make things better, not worse, for those who think about suicide. Breaking the silence is the key to getting help and finding happiness again. Let's promise to be gentle and caring to people who hurt inside. Mental health is important, and so are the people who need our help.

Remember, before you can love someone else, you need to love yourself first. Take care of yourself; it's the first step to caring for others.



Author:
Samiha Tamjid Amrita

References:

https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/family-resources-education/700childrens/2019/11/suicide-is-not-a-choice

https://www.thechicagoschool.edu/insight/career-development/careers-with-masters-degree-clinical-mental-health-counseling/