Yesterday, I was informed someone took his life because of depression. Although I don’t even know him personally, I was shocked. It’s happening. And it’s closer to us than you think. I was too moved I went autopilot and shared how depression felt like.

It’s waking up in the morning feeling dead-tired already, you’re too tired to even breathe.

It’s having all the reasons around you to be happy and celebrate life, but, you are blinded and imprisoned by thoughts— “there is nothing left for you, you’re too lost, there’s no any other way for you to go.”

It’s being tired, sad, and hurting without reason you can pinpoint.

It’s battling with yourself everyday growing more tired and hopeless in each passing day. You want to end the suffering and the only solution you could think about is to end it all— to end your life. For that moment you think it’s the only escape and you don’t care about how selfish it is— you don’t even think it’s selfish.

Depression is irrational. It’s confusing how someone who looks happy all the time can take his own life one day. How someone who looks like he has everything figured out runs and finds comfort in suicide.

I’M NOT A FAN OF DEPRESSION. BUT I’M A BIG FAN OF SELF-CARE.

If you’ve read until this part and you know you’re going through something like this— find support. I know it’s hard to even breathe or get out of bed or eat but please seek help. Start by reaching out to someone and talk to them. Don’t be scared! Literally send a “HELP” text to someone you trust NOW. You can message me!!! I don’t care if we’re not personally close, just message me.

If someone you know is suffering from this and is reaching out to you, be there. Actually even if they don’t want to reach out to you but you know they’ve been keeping this to themselves— be there. That’s the simplest thing you can do. Be there, talk to them, listen to them, most especially PRAY FOR THEM. It’s not easy to spot someone suffering. But you can set aside time to genuinely ask them how they are. Even a simple “How have you been?” means a lot. Now go get your phone and call that person NOW.

My prayer is that every Christian people will be able to discern the people they are with. I pray that one day, depression will no longer plague our society especially our youth. It’s heartbreaking, but for someone who has been there it’s really no joke. They’re not being too emo or looking for attention. If you only know what’s going on inside their head... they just want to rest, they just want peace.

So, this is the perfect time to pray for them and share to them about Jesus — the source of never-ending overflowing genuine love, joy, and peace. Fight alongside them. Let them know that God has plans for them. Help them see the light that is Jesus. It won’t be easy, but it will all be worth it. And remember, you can do all things with Christ. 🙂

(Facebook status from 2017)