In today’s social picture, delayed marriage and childbearing have become the life choices of many young people. They are not only swept up in the torrent of work, bearing various pressures in the workplace, but also bear the heavy burden of economy and endless struggle in their hearts.
According to statistics, the shadow of depression in our country has enveloped about 54 million souls, and this number has surged in successive national surveys, especially for women, this predicament is even more severe.
From the initial survey in 1982, to in-depth understanding in 1993, and then continuous attention from 2001 to 2005, until the latest survey from 2013 to 2015, each set of data is like an unfeeling alarm, reminding us of the increasing number of depression patients year by year.
In this land, many Chinese people suffer from insomnia, their nights are like long winters, cold and endless. Their hearts are filled with despair for life, thoughts of suicide haunt them like ghosts, and intense feelings of inferiority are like heavy chains, binding their souls.
If timely healing is not provided to them, these young lives will wither prematurely like autumn leaves, leaving endless regrets in this world.
01
How serious is depression?
The severity of depression, like the frost of winter, silently erodes the inner world of patients. It makes patients lose their past laughter and vitality, become silent and disinterested in everything around them.
They may cry alone late at night or force a smile during the day, but the inner pain is like a giant rock pressing on them, making it hard to breathe.
Moreover, depression can also have serious effects on the patient’s physical health. Long-term depression can lead to insomnia, loss of appetite, weight loss, and other physical symptoms, and may even trigger more serious illnesses. The patient’s immune system may also be weakened, making them more susceptible to diseases.
Even more serious, depression can trigger suicidal thoughts in patients. When the pain becomes unbearable, they may choose to end their lives to seek relief. This sense of despair and helplessness is a true portrayal of the inner world of depression patients.
Therefore, we must not underestimate the seriousness of depression. It is a mental disaster that requires our love and help. We should face the patients with understanding and acceptance, and warm their souls with patience and companionship.
02
The 5 common phrases of “depression,” check them against yourself, hopefully you haven’t said any of them
The first phrase: “I feel like I’ve been abandoned by the whole world.” This sentence conveys deep loneliness and helplessness, like a boat lost in the vast sea, yearning to find the lighthouse for homecoming.
The second phrase: “I can’t seem to be interested in anything, life seems to have lost its color.” Here, “color” is not just visual, but the richness and vitality of the soul. When life becomes pale and tasteless, the inner passion gradually dies out.
The third phrase: “I feel tired every day, like I can never get enough sleep.” Fatigue is often felt by depression patients. This fatigue is not only physical but also a heavy burden on the soul.
The fourth phrase: “I’m really useless, can’t do anything right.” Self-blame and inferiority, like two sharp knives, constantly cut into the hearts of depression patients, making it hard for them to break free.
The last phrase: “If I’m not here, maybe everything will be better.” This sentence reveals deep despair and helplessness. When life loses its meaning, people often have such thoughts, hoping that their disappearance will bring peace to the world.
03
What to do when a family member shows signs of depression?
First, we should treat them like a traveler lost in the forest, giving them patience and listening. Depression often comes with loneliness and silence, so we need to open our hearts actively, use our companionship and understanding to dispel their loneliness.
When they talk, do not interrupt, do not belittle, just listen quietly, letting their voice echo in the silent night sky.
Second, we should create an environment full of love and hope for them like a gardener. The depressed soul needs the nourishment of sunlight and rain, we can start from small things in life, like preparing a delicious dinner for them, or accompanying them for a walk in a beautiful park. These small gestures may be simple, but they convey our deep love and care.
Furthermore, we should guide them like a navigator to show them the way forward. Depression often comes with confusion and helplessness, we can help them find professional psychological counseling, or guide them to participate in activities beneficial to their body and mind. These efforts may not immediately eliminate their depression, but they can show them hope and light ahead.
When we discover signs of depression in family members, we should not panic but become guardians of their souls, warm them with our love and care, and accompany them through this difficult time.
