It's okay to ask for help

We live in a world where we all depend on each other for survival. No one knows it all, no one has it all, you may have everything, but you may need help somewhere.

When it comes to our emotions and health, we truly need help. You can't be dying right inside, lost in your very thoughts and yet you pretend all was going on well with you. No, not possible. Seek help when you realise that you need one. A closed mouth, they say, is a closed destiny.

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Depression is a mental health disorder that comes with lots of mental and emotional problems. Don't die in silence, many are willing to hear you, bear with you and be a great strength and support.

Yes, I have been depressed. There was a time in my life when I felt I was a total loser, I had no job, no friends and the only friend at the time whom we were in a relationship left. Family members weren't supportive, and my world was fading each day. I became sick. I thought of suicide. I took excess of the drugs I was given because nothing seemed good to me again. I cried to sleep, woke in the middle of the night to cry and even cry to wake up.

I gave up on everything and decided I was going to be alone. Did isolation help me out? No. At the point that I gave up.

At home that fateful day, I got a call from my church member (a man), whose wife I was running a program with. He said he got a call from his wife that I wasn't in the class. He said to me, "Evelyn, it's too early to give up, wherever you are, get up and go for the program." He was someone I respected so much. I managed and walked into the bathroom, had my bath and went for the program.

Before then, a sister who knew a bit about my troubles visited and saw me crying in the night. She said to me, "why not channel this energy into something useful for yourself?" She said, crying won't change a thing, find joy in doing something.

^{Picture of myself}

It was after that day that I made up my mind I was not going to put my hope in any job or humans. I decided I was going to be very active in church activities and programs because I had no friends to attend social events with. So, I channelled all my energy into engaging in church activities. That was where I found true joy.

From there, I got a recommendation for a job. From there, my relationship was restored and I eventually got married. My joy was returned, depression was gone, all because I decided to engage in what gave me joy and fulfilment. I found joy in church gatherings and the brethren were so great although no one knew I was in such a health condition. But I guess they saw that I was losing weight.

Currently, no. But last year, a lady walked up to me and told me, she's dying. I asked why, she said "I'm suffering too much, I labour more than I should because my husband was laid off his job because of an attack on his company." I held her close and told her, Sis, you're not alone in this shoe. I understand how it is, but you can't back off right now. It was a very long discussion, but in the end, I gave her few advice and tips that will help her strategise her business in order to make more profit and less stress.

Do you know that I saw her last week? She was beaming with smiles, her looks changed. She hugged me and said thanks Sis. I almost lost my mind, but your words rescued me.

^{Picture of myself beaming with smiles}

My advice to anyone going through depression are:

1. Don't keep your troubles to yourself. "Problems shared are problems half solved." Talk to someone about it, you may find help. It's understood not everyone cares, but there's someone who truly cares.

2. Find joy in one thing and engage in it. There is no need to isolate yourself from others. I found joy in religious activities. Yours maybe something different. Find out what gives you a little joy and channel your energy into such. It maybe jobs, business, hubby, social clubs and friends, etc.

3. Consult your doctor and follow every instruction given to you.

4. Realise that no matter what, your life is more important and that God cares about you, trust in God.

Remember, there's always light at the end of the tunnel.

Yes, this phrase is absolutely correct. Depression kills silently, it makes you feel less of yourself, it makes you feel you're a loser. It drains silently, and it leads to many other sicknesses that may kill or have very negative effects on your health. It presses your mental health and reduces your body's functions, and it weighs you down.

Depression kills silently. It's okay if you ask for help, don't die in silence.💕

I invite
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