Has Life Been Overwhelming For You?

Hello there, JEAY Family!❤️

Welcome to this week’s edition of JEAY’s newsletters!

Last week, I started a talk on Mental Health, and I did say it’d continue for a few weeks, addressing different aspects of it. It’s another week, and this week, we address the part of DEPRESSION. 

Before I address the often misunderstood journey of depression, and provide actionable tips for managing it, I’d like to share a story. It’s quite the read, but stay with me. Even if you are not in this space, someone around you might be, and this might just help them.

Back to my story which I call…

Sam’s Fall into Darkness and Rise to Light.

Sam was always the life of the party, known for his infectious energy and positivity. But behind his bright smile, Sam was battling a darkness that no one could see. His descent into depression began subtly. An avoidance, a missed deadline here, a cancelled plan there. Gradually, the weight of his sadness became unbearable.

Sam’s life started to unravel. He lost interest in his favourite activities, no longer attended classes, spent less time on social media, avoided phone calls, turned on airplane mode, the ever-neat Sam lost interest in cleaning and had his space a total mess, distanced himself from friends, spent days in bed, unable to summon the energy to face the world. The more he withdrew, the more isolated he felt. The once-vibrant Sam was now a shadow of his former self, caught in a brutal cycle of despair and hopelessness.

On a particularly dark night, Sam found himself standing at the edge of his balcony, contemplating an end to his suffering. But something inside him hesitated. In that moment, he decided to seek help. The next day, Sam made an appointment with a professional and made a faceless friend which made feel even safer by booking an appointment on JEAY Healthcare’s Mobile App, TELEMEDICAL.

Therapy was challenging. Confronting his feelings and vulnerabilities wasn’t easy, but it was a crucial step in his recovery. His friend at JEAY helped him unpack the layers of his depression, addressed the triggers and underlying issues. Sam also started medication, which began to stabilize his mood.

An important moment in Sam’s recovery was reconnecting with his old friend, Dammy. She noticed his absence and reached out persistently. Dammy’s unwavering support and understanding provided Sam with a lifeline. They started meeting regularly, even if it was just for a short walk, made it a duty to chat to each other very often through the day, all day, everyday. Slowly, these duty didn’t feel like a duty on both ends anymore, it became rather enjoyable, and these small interactions made a huge difference.

Sam also found solace in journaling. Writing down his thoughts and feelings helped him process his emotions and gain perspective. Slowly, but surely, the gloom began to lift. Sam started setting small goals; taking a shower, cooking a meal, going for a short run, doing fun activities. Each one, no matter how small, added to his sense of progress.

Today, Sam is in a much better place. He’s not the same person he was before his depression, but he’s stronger, more self-aware, and deeply appreciative of the support he received. His journey reminds us that while depression can feel unbeatable, there is always hope. With the right help and support, it’s possible to find the light again.

Understanding that depression is more than just sadness, It’s a common but serious mental health condition that affects how we feel, think, and handle daily activities. It’s more than just temporary sadness; it’s a persistent feeling of despair that doesn’t go away on its own. It can be caused by a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors.

When depressed, one experiences symptoms like persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood; feelings of hopelessness, guilt, worthlessness; loss of interest in hobbies; decreased energy; difficulty sleeping or oversleeping; changes in appetite; thoughts of death or suicide.

When faced with this, it is best to use these few but helpful tips: 

1. Stay Connected: Isolation can worsen depression. Maintain connections with friends and family, even if it’s just a text or phone call.

2. Set Small Goals: Break tasks into smaller, manageable steps. Celebrate small victories. Channel your inner child. Be happy, on purpose, finding happiness in the littlest things.

3. Stay Active: Regular physical activity can boost your mood and energy levels.

4. Practice Mindfulness: Mindfulness and meditation can help you stay present and reduce negative thinking patterns.

5. Seek Professional Help: As you follow the simpler tips, it’s even more important to use professional help. 

Depression is a challenging and often lonely journey, but it’s important to remember that you’re not alone. With JEAY Healthcare, you have access to the support and resources you need to navigate this difficult path. Simply download “Telemedical” on Google Play Store and book an appointment to speak with a professional to get started.

Remember, reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Every step you take towards recovery, no matter how small, is a victory.

Until I write you again next week, please, take care of yourself and stay resilient,

Love,

Tolani from JEAY.