We live in a world where there is endless scrolling, typing, likes and emoji. Communication has been made easy, life is so much better with twitter, Facebook, Instagram filters and so on. People rarely use pen and paper to write to lovers anymore; which I think is kind of old school and romantic, but the truth is we never really bond anymore.
Instead, most people find themselves in a position of comparison and competition. We become so fascinated and taken by how many likes; how many comments, those blue ticks and the “Joyce typing” screen.
Did you know the brains of people who report compulsive urges to use social networking sites like Facebook show some brain patterns similar to those found in drug addicts? That is an addiction too but we don’t recognize it! And before we know it, we are never alone but always lonely; the answer to “how are you?” is forever “I am fine” even when we are not.
Being lonely and not being able to share what you feel with people who will not just hear but listen; who will not just comment and add an emoji but understand, has sent many down the lane of depression.
The funny thing about depression in this generation is that the people with very gloomy faces like that of former president Tito Okello – (I’ve always wondered why in history there is no picture of that guy smiling in public) – aren’t really depressed; but those who wear the biggest smiles in public, are the very people fighting this monster.
Some are lucky to come out victorious but many have travelled to suicide lane. You ever wonder why many celebrities who seem to have it all suffer a lot from depression!
When people talk about depression, we might think it’s a distant idea. But the truth of the matter is that University students are even all the more prone to mental health issues!
Just look at the endless cycles of stress; academics, relationships, trying to fit in, maybe you got some from home too! Yet most of us don’t really know how to handle these and slowly we slide into depression and live in denial.
This century needs psychotherapists more than ever before! It is a little comforting that there is therapy, now you just have to find what works for you. Some pastors say it’s a demon that needs to be cast out, just like the spirit of poverty!
But with poverty, all you need to do is work hard and stop saying I receive. Anyways the point is; if praying is what works for you – which I believe it does, be it seeing a therapist; you need to know that it is hard work! Commitment is key! But eventually; you will, smile, truly, once again.
Having some time off the screens; taking those small walks with a friend, trying new things or hobbies with a partner, star gazing on beautiful moon lit star filled nights with that friend, or anything that makes you find connection, helps us bond and create safe spaces where we can share our deepest fears.
Always check on your friends, folks; never assume they are alright.
Written by
Aron Eryau.
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