Mental Illness is not a game

Uba, M.J.
Uba, M.J.
Jul 21, 2017 · 2 min read

The world lost a gentle soul today as he succumbed to suicide. Parents lost a son. Children lost their father. An iconic rap/rock group lost a member and a dear friend. A couple of years ago, the world lost actor and comedian Robin Williams and famed BMX biker Dave Mirra to suicide. Some may ask, “These men are highly accomplished people. Their respective talents took them to great heights of fame and riches. Why would they decide to end their own lives?” You see, depression and the ultimate act of suicide is very complex. There are different ways people can be going through an episode. Mental illness is not something you see like a runny nose when someone has the flu or a reddened skin following contact with poison ivy. You can’t SEE depression. You can’t FEEL the turmoil that rages within their spirit. The daily battles taxes the mind to near exhaustion.

Let me give you an example.

I was diagnosed with depression and suicidal thoughts in September 2009 during my time in college at Texas Southern University. In fact, it was two weeks before my sister’s wedding. The diagnosis was a result of a negative series of events that snowballed into me contemplating suicide. I was living away from home for the first time. I struggled to find my identity in a new environment. My academics took a nose dive because of my negative outlook on life. I was admitted to Ben Taub hospital for overnight evaluation and transferred to West Oaks psychiatric hospital where I stayed for a week. My time there was interesting. The group therapy sessions helped me create a baseline to express myself without judgment. Before, I would keep everything to myself. Fast forward to July 2017, I still have my low points but I now have avenues to cope with my depression. I joined a gym last month, got back to writing, and now share my story to anyone who wants to listen.

Depression, especially in the Black community, needs to be discussed at length. Everyone who deals with it should have the freedom to express how they feel to others without judgment. Don’t demonize those who battle this daily illness. You really don’t know the valleys of Hell they’re going through. Instead, offer encouragement. Offer solutions for treatment. BE A FRIEND THAT CARES.

If you or someone you know is dealing with depression and has suicidal thoughts, call the Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1–800–273–8255.

RIP Chester Bennington.

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Uba, M.J.

Written by

Uba, M.J.

Texas Southern alum. North Texas alum. Nigerian. Introvert. Writer. Lover of Books. Ecclesiastes 5:10–18

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