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Beeson Mashanda J
Midlands State University
Geography and Environmental Studies
With the continuous cases of suicides being recorded among the younger generation of Zimbabwe, it is imperative that we need to address the possible root cause of all of this.
Although widely considered as a white man’s disease, depression has killed most of our brothers and sisters and one is left wondering what more could be done to save our beloved ones but seeking answers after they’re gone is not the solution.
But rather we should do more while we still have time to save our brothers and sisters or while they’re still alive.
Many of the youths have been vulnerable to depression, thus leading to mental illnesses and other issues.
For starters depression can be classified as a mood disorder it can also be labelled as feelings of loss, sadness, or anger that interferes with the person’s day to day activities.
Feeling down is a normal part of life but when the feeling perpetuates then we have a problem.
A lot of people might think that depression is just a thing that emerges from out of the blue but the real fact is that depression can be passed on especially in a family setting where a person’s family has a history of depression.
In addition to that our societies are now filled with youths who are involved in substance abuse to try and counter stress and depression but ladies and gentleman responding to depression via substances might be worsening the situation.
In growing up our societies teach boys to bundle up their feelings and troubles inside while forgetting the fact that bundling up feelings without talking about them is almost the same as building pressure. Only when we talk about it can the pressures be released.
Sometimes we are the architects of our own downfall. there’s one thing I have come to realise overtime that there’s no use thinking about things that you can’t change. over thinking can only drain you emotionally and can lead to suicidal thoughts.
My advice is simple, instead of over thinking the possible outcomes, brace yourself and face the storm head on. don’t give up because life is just like a road with tunnels, but eventually there’s light at the end and the road continues.
In addition to that what has been the main cause of suicides among the youths has been the toxic relationships we get ourselves entangled in. We turn a blind eye to the red flags that we see every day and only realise the toxicity of the relationships after some traumatic event has happened.
Ladies and gentleman let go of relationships that drain you emotionally instead of building you as a person.
If not carefully navigated the essential facet of human development which is maintaining useful relationships can be your downfall.
The statement ‘be your brother’s keeper’ also applies to us as the youths as we should help our brothers and sisters when we see them heading towards the wrong path. let us all be pillars of strength to one another. brothers and sisters should be trust worthy such that your friends will confide in you in times of difficulties. you must give advice that calm the storms instead of adding fuel to the fire.
As the youths we are at a stage where we face tough situations, we are faced with juggling new avenues such as career decisions, looking for finance avenues and even as discussed before we find ourselves navigating the romance aspect of life and all of this we have to do on our own.
Trust me, most of us youths are stuck at these exact points with me being one of them and with the ongoing lockdown and the pandemic.
I am pretty sure that most of us have felt the heat in fighting to survive.
keep in mind that things aren’t easy, they don’t always have the projected outcome that we always expect. it’s normal to feel low at this point but if it persists dear brothers talk to the elders who have experienced the struggle of life, you might be surprised what you consider as a problem has an easy quick fix.
Here are some few tips that I have found so helpful to combat the issue of depression.
In order to avoid the most likelihood of depression ladies and gentleman stay away from drugs and substance abuse. you might think you’re using them so as to forget the situation but in reality you’re only exacerbating the situation.
Secondly trying to solve very hard problem on your own can sometimes lead you straight into a brick wall and that’s when thoughts of suicide and anger creep in. it is essential to find someone you can talk to. Feeling depressed doesn’t mean you’re weak but it’s part of life. Every now and then I meet people who ask what the use of exercising is and here is the answer; exercise releases endorphins that boost your mood.
High intensity exercises have been proven to create a positive brain charge overtime.
In conclusion walk away from situations that get you stressed. Say no where the situations requires you to and again when feeling low suicide is not an option there’s more to life, letting go will only damage those who care for you emotionally .
Online Reporter