The Sail of Life

 

"Stop over- reacting ya!"

"It's all in your head, try getting yourself occupied in something..."

"You should be mentally strong. What you face is nothing different from the others."

Take a moment to think. How often have we heard these words being said to anyone who speaks about their anxiety or depression. Perhaps at some point you've received this 'advice' too. Now think about how many people around us manage to boldly express their emotions and thoughts. Could you make some connection? If yes then I think you have a pretty good idea about where this is headed. 

We are living in a time where the importance of a healthy mind is slowly being understood. But at the same time there are also those who believe talking about how you feel is a way to 'seek attention'. Is it pitiful looks and temporary attention what people really need?

I believe being anxious or hyper-sensitive doesn't make me, or anyone else mentally weak. It sort of becomes an indication of the fact that some of us had to see a darker face of life earlier than the others and when we were not ready for it.

Does this mean we are permanently broken? Well, that is for you to choose. You could see it as the rough storm which throws your ship on the shore or you could see it as a force which helps you raise your sail, stronger and steadier than ever. 

Okay, returning to the previous question. Is it attention people want when they express their deep thoughts and raw emotions to you? No, they do not. What they do seek often is an ear which is there to not hear them, but listen to them. They probably wouldn't even expect you to advice them. It's just trust.

So, do I have a solution to tackle mental health issues? Unfortunately, I do not. Though what I am attempting to do is talk about my stories and opinions, because talking is always better than keeping quiet. 

There is also a small part of me that hopes that somewhere, somehow, my work would give someone else the courage to express themselves. And well, history is proof that there can be no solution to a problem without the beginning of a conversation!