I took a friend out for lunch today. She looked the same as when I first met her.
The fact is that she has been suffering from major depression and has been hospitalised since December. I was meant to take her out for lunch three weeks ago but that plan got cancelled because she tried to take her own life.
You wouldn't be able to tell the immense burden she is carrying if you walked past her on her streets. That is the nature of mental health issues. It can be invisible.
Unfortunately, we as a society are still not very equipped in dealing with mental health issues. Often a taboo in society, it can be deemed as 'weakness'.
I pray that people will not shy away from talking and sharing about their mental health. It's ok. Early intervention is the key. If someone tells you that they are sad or feeling stressed, please please please listen, please do not jump the gun and give some generic advice like 'don't worry about it', 'don't think about it, I get stressed as well'. Don't compare your pain to theirs. Pain is such an individual experience.
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your shoulder. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light" - Jesus.
Much love.
Michelle, 22 degrees.
