Many of us dreamed of the life that Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain once had. But just like everybody else, they also felt helpless and empty. Their sudden death that shocked the world serves as a reminder that even those people with so much in life are losing the battle for themselves.
Depression is more than just about feeling down.
Depression (major depressive disorder) is a common and serious medical illness that negatively affects how you feel, the way you think and how you act. Mental illnesses are considered as the third most common causes of increased morbidity in the Philippines. In fact, a study released by the National Statistics Office in 2014 cited that 88 cases of mental health problems were reported for every 100,000 Filipinos. Meanwhile, the new Philippine Health Information System on Mental Health (PHIS-MH) reported that schizophrenia is the top mental health problem in the country.
Globally, depression is becoming a common mental disorder. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 300 million people of all ages suffer from depression — 18 percent higher than in the previous decade (2005 to 2015). WHO also stated that more women are affected by depression than men. Worst, this mental health problem —if not treated or alleviated by the help of trusted mental health professionals — can lead to suicide.
It’s true that depression has no face.
You never know who among your friends or even family members are dealing with this constant pain inside. Sometimes, we even forget to check on them because we get too overwhelmed with things happening around us.
Although reaching out may sound like the simplest solution, Pamela Bridget Ramirez proved that it is indeed the most possible and effective way that everyone can do to help someone with depression.
In a recent Facebook post, Ramirez shared an inspiring encounter she had with a stranger at Starbucks.
https://www.facebook.com/Bestofourmemories/posts/2378647898819114
After she placed all her things on the table, a receipt with a note written on it caught her attention. Out of curiosity, she read what was on it: “How many more heart aches do I have to count before I could ever find the one that never leaves? I miss you Francis. Hintayin mo ako love, susunod na ako.”
After reading the note, Ramirez knew there was something going on. Without any hesitations, she immediately rushed out of the door to look for the stranger.
“I stared at her for a few mins, and before I knew it, I was already in front of her. It was awkward, but I asked her, ‘what’s wrong?’. Of course, the usual, the stranger glared at me and said, ‘wtf? Are u crazy?’ And the next thing that went out my mouth hit the right spot. ‘I know you’re about to quit your life, u can tell me about this note. You can trust me.’ [A]fter that, she cried. Like, legit cried. We talked about it for God knows how many hours.”
The stranger shared how devastated she is after her fiancé committed suicide.
“She told me her fiance left her. For good. He committed suicide. He’s depressed and he thinks he’s being a burden to her. He died and she blames herself for working her ass off for their future and not actually having to talk to him that often because of their busy schedules. She looks so vulnerable, and all i ever did was listen and hug her every now and then. She may not realize it, but she’s so strong. And i adore her for that.”
Ramirez was thankful that she went to the coffee shop that day. That conversation with the stranger — whom she referred to as “K”— made her realize that many lives can be saved through a simple conversation.
“Before we part ways, her mum fetched her. The bottomline here is that, we often forget one of the little things in life: Effective communication. Imagine how many lives can be saved with a simple conversation? Talk to your friends. Check on them. They might be losing a battle for themselves. It’s not too late. Reach out to people, especially to those who needed it.”
Despite the number of cases, mental health issues remain underreported in the Philippines because of the stigma attached to it. Because of the alarming statistics, many rejoiced upon the approval of the Republic Act No. 11036 or the Philippine Mental Health Law that would secure, among others, the rights and welfare of persons with mental health needs. The bill integrating mental health care in the country’s public healthcare system is authored and principally sponsored by Senator Risa Hontiveros.
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Read more from InqPOP!:
This mom shares what living with depression looks like in this powerful photo
Kate Spade’s husband speaks out about his wife’s depression and anxiety
This is why people don’t think twice when cracking ‘insensitive jokes’
‘We can no longer afford to be silenced by stigma’: Lady Gaga pens emotional essay on mental health
