It is precious and nothing should make you feel otherwise
I was teaching a class of about 50 students online when a WhatsApp message flashed on my mobile phone. It was about the passing away of a young and promising Indian actor — Sushant Singh Rajput — a bright young talent who had delivered some glorious performances and made his fans desirous for more.
The death of a prominent public figure becomes a trending topic, mostly, but this one raises a question — are our youngsters leading a happy life? No, not successful, but HAPPY.
If not, then are we doing something about it?
I checked my Twitter feed and it was overflowing with condolence messages that were filled with grief and disbelief. I also read a message which said that “those who knew him closely knew that he was hurting.” If that was so, why didn’t anyone, especially those who were close, reach out to him?
More often than not we know of people around us who are suffering from stress, anxiety and depression and we let them be. Why? Because who will interfere in other people’s matters? And of course, the stigma attached to the very words. Wil Wheaton’s article may help some of us to overcome that.
The country I belong to and which this departed actor also belonged to is home to the philosophy of “vasudhaiv kutumbkam” or “the world is our home/family”. The philosophy necessitates that we look out for our immediate family and all the people we know as well as the people we don’t. But the spirit of this phrase is fast vanishing.
The metro city culture makes you live alone, away from your family. What are you to do if the solitude soon turns into loneliness? Do you have a coping mechanism? Yes, you do. Even if your family is physically far, it is always close. Make it a point to keep in touch with your parents/siblings/close friends. My husband and I live in one town and our families live in another. But, we do make it a point to stay in touch constantly. Family is a huge support system. Use it.
Depression is common. The WHO fact-sheet says so. There is a 2012 World Federation for Mental Health Paper, which describes Depression as a global crisis and third largest cause of global burden of disease. What does that mean? It means — YOU ARE NOT ALONE. Reach out for help. Reach out to friends, family and mental health professionals. Don’t shy away. You can overcome.
From the perspective of future and that of the younger generation, the demise of this young actor is a clarion call for all parents. You must bring up your kids to value their life. Enroll yourselves and them in wellness classes. Demand schools to offer Yoga and meditation sessions to equip your kids with better tools for life.
Life is precious. It is a gift. Treat it like one.
#Reachout #Meditation #Wellness #Wellbeing #Depression
