The Pain Within

Depression is classified as a mood disorder, it may be described as the feeling of sadness, loss or anger that interferes with a person’s everyday activities. Depression can be more than a constant state of sadness or feeling. Sometimes, it goes away just like that while in most cases, it stays if accommodated. 

Stella was my very good friend back in the university and she was also the second best in class. she was indeed very beautiful and had every good quality a man would love to keep. I was attracted to her, no doubt.  Suddenly, Stella started behaving weird and I was confused as to why and how she could transform in such a short while. She would yell at a very slight provocation, she was always lost in class, she was missing tests and I didn’t want that to continue because I knew she was a bright girl. 

One evening I went to her house after a very important lecture, I knocked for a while and had no response so I opened the door myself. She was sitting on her bed looking at me but couldn’t actually see me. I had to touch her to bring her to the consciousness of her environment. Felix, when did you enter? She asked. I was dumbfounded and I sat beside her, led her head to my chest and patted her then she started crying. 

Most times, different circumstances can bring about depression such as; conflict, death of a loved one, certain medical conditions or abuse (physical, sexual or emotional abuse).  After she cried, I didn’t ask her to tell me what happened because I didn’t want her to feel pressured but she just started talking. Oh my Goodness. According to her, she went home three weekends back, she didn’t meet her mum home. Her dad came back from work and she went to see him in his room. After serving him dinner, she didn’t know what happened to him, he dragged her and forced himself on her. 

He raped her; She was confused and cried bitterly, after he was done, he whispered to her ears; I'm not your father. I can’t even imagine going through that kind of mess. Stella came back to school shattered, broken and angry. Imagine being raped by the man you call father and then realize he’s not actually you biological father. 

Depression can kill, it kills slowly and most times, what they need is a listening ear and a shoulder to cry on. Most people who suffer from depression are scared to even share their experiences because they wouldn’t want to be seen in a kind of way.  Give a listening ear and avoid judging people. You never know who you might be helping.