I once shared a known fact about depression being such a sad road to tread and that it can cost one so much during retirement-that’s if they’re lucky to get there.
On the 29th January, 2020, The Daily Monitor news paper reported of a 33 year – old woman who allegedly committed suicide in Visitor’s Inn Guest House on Nkokonjeru road in Northern Division, Mbale town, the cause being depression. As reported, the husband had abandoned her and the children.
This unfortunate occurrence reminded me of similar cases that I witnessed while working in a certain office whose premises were at Workers House at the time.
A young lady jumped off the 9th floor, as I made my way through the main entrance at Workers House. It was so horrifying a moment to witness as she landed onto the lobby.
Depression has emerged as one of the silent but lethal killers in the 21st Century, it should be deliberately fought against like it was for HIV AIDS.
I grew up knowing that boys don’t cry and true to this-their word(s) men many times suffer silently, pushed to the wall of worldly pressures.
As men, we like to think of ourselves as strong and in control of everything that cometh our way, we go on to deny or cover up situations that beneath the surface are overwhelming us.
Someone told me that “men will always be on a losing side, the world expects men to behave as men”
Unfortunately, depression in men often gets overlooked as many of us find it difficult to talk about the inner feelings (building volcanoes inside)but Instead, we tend to focus on the physical symptoms that often tag along male depression, such as back pain, headaches, difficulty in finding sleep, or sexual problems.
The causes of depression remain diverse; I will rather focus on the remedy. Alongside other treatments including medical prescriptions, certain lifestyle changes and coping strategies can help a person manage depression.
Someone called me and I could notice he was burning inside, he had a lot of energy. I advised him to go the gym to reduce on that energy. Yes, making exercises like regular jogging or going to sauna can produce endorphins and reduce much negative energy. This will improve your moods.
Making a to do list and organizing your life can reduce tension that comes along with un accomplished assignment especially at work place.
Do not accept to be depressed by your lack of planning. Plan early enough to accomplish the assignment on time without waiting for the deadline.
Sharing your feelings, experiences with a friend you trust makes you fell less overwhelmed. They say a problem shared is half solved. I’ve someone whom I know partakes on my stress. When am stressed that person will also be stressed or will give me a solution and the other way round. To my fellow men, let’s not claim to be stronger and “die in our own movies”.
Did you know avoiding alcohol intake improves your mood? Some people say when they are drunk, they start remembering all their problems.
Finally surrender totally all your anxiety to God for He cares for you. He cares to the extent of sending His only son Jesus Christ to die on the cross. You are too expensive, bought with high price 1Cor 6:20…purchased by His blood 1Peter 1:19 so that you may have life in its fullness John 10:10.
Too much worries will kill you, Jesus said today’s trouble is sufficient. Your God knows what you need and He keeps His word.
Will you trust him?
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