TRIGGER WARNING: This article or section, or pages it links to, contains information about self-harm and/or violence which may be triggering to survivors.
Dear World,
I still don’t know what the right word for this feeling is. Sophia was a great, charismatic, kind person. Ever since her funeral, I can still vividly remember the pain and grief I saw in the eyes of Sophia’s family members. I kept on telling myself, “I should have been a better friend.”
I always thought, a little selfishly, that her life was full of joy, kindness, gentleness, and dreams that were buried with her forever. In fact, Sofia’s life was difficult. It turned out that when she removes the mask, she put on every day to seem happy, she gets caught in a cycle of disturbing thoughts of worthlessness, and despair. Feeding that monster who affects her emotions and behaviors.
When she was alive and even after her death, people said that she was possessed by a demon or Jinn; others said that she was a sinner and God punished her.
They did not know that she had depression.
Waking up every morning, do you think she wanted to live that way?
My friend just chose the wrong end of her life story.
(Or perhaps, who am I to say that?)
(God knows how much it takes from someone to end their life)
It’s hard to admit that she’s gone…
Yes, she lost her life to suicide.
Approximately millions of people like her, who cannot access treatment, commit suicide each year worldwide. Due to a lack of awareness, authoritarian parenting and the fear of being judged or misunderstood.
Unfortunately, we belong to a society where going to therapy is not acceptable or normalized. What I still cannot wrap my head around is how authorities are turning a blind eye to the epidemic that’s currently happening.
Even though data and resources devoted to mental health issues are still insufficient and limited, I firmly believe that Sophia did not want to end her life, she just wanted to end her pain.
But suicide does not just take away the pain; it instills it to someone else.
A loved one always pays an eternal price.
It is never too late to “let our own lights shine because we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”
I do believe that Sophia’s story can save other people’s life because out there are many behind covered masks and closed doors.
They are true invisible superheroes, silently, fighting a battle that we know nothing about.
All we’re asked to do is to be kind to them, and pay more attention to our loved ones by spreading love in a society that is now more susceptible than ever.
Please remember…
“Whenever you are creating beauty around you, you are restoring your own soul.”
So, are we ready to break another stigma?!
Submitted By: Meriem
October 4th 2019.
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