Anyone can Experience Depression

A few years ago, after performing below average in an important exam, I lost the opportunity to study my dream course at my dream university. For about two weeks, I wasn’t myself. I lost my appetite and the enthusiasm to socialize. I spent all my free time in my room, crying my eyes out, blaming myself, and wishing things could change. I was struggling, but I didn’t have the language for it. I didn’t even know I was slowly slipping into Depression. At the time, I thought depression was only a serious, dysfunctional state, something very extreme where the person is completely lost. Not something that could also be quiet. I later realized that there are different stages of depression, and one could be slowly slipping into it without even knowing. They might think it’s burnout, loss of interest in life, or just emotional stress. If left unattended for a long time, it can develop into a more severe form that requires medical attention.

_{Image credit: @protokkol}

Depression is a common human experience. Many people go through it at different points in their lives. Research even shows that a large number of individuals live with mental health challenges, with depression being one of the most prevalent. Yet, it remains one of the least discussed topics, especially in schools and even on social media, where conversations are supposed to be “open.”

Personally, I believe many people are afraid to talk about depression because of the fear of judgment. No one wants to be looked down on or misunderstood.
There are also people who, like I once was, do not even recognize what they’re feeling. And it’s hard to speak about something you don’t understand.

Social media also plays a role in shaping these perceptions. People absorb ideas online and carry them into real life. This is especially obvious with memes, the kind that glorify silent struggle, emotional suppression, or the idea that strength means never bothering people or never opening up. While they may seem harmless or even motivating, they sometimes reinforce harmful beliefs.
A man, for instance, may choose to open up about his struggles and immediately be labeled as weak. Others may interpret vulnerability as ingratitude. Ironically, these same people have likely experienced similar emotions at some point.

This is why I believe open conversations about depression can go a long way in reducing thestigma.
When people speak honestly about what they’re going through, it creates awareness and helps normalize the experience. It reminds others that they are not alone. Sometimes, hearing someone else put your feelings into words is the first step toward understanding your own.
Open conversations also help challenge misconceptions. Anyone can experience depression. Choosing to speak up does not make someone weak, just as staying silent does not make someone strong.
Openly discussing depression should be encouraged because, at some point, it becomes almost unavoidable, especially if you have a family history or are in a developing country striving for growth and achievements. We’ve seen that the higher we aim, the more we face pressure, setbacks, and moments that test our emotional strength.
In the end, it’s not silence that makes us strong; it’s the understanding, love, and support we receive from those around us.