Double exposure image of a man

"Don’t suffer alone. Ask for help."

About Yash: Man hiking in mountains

I am an architect and writer by profession, and can also be called a globetrotter. I also work and volunteer with various organizations to promote mental health awareness and being vocal about what you are going through.

*Stock photo used, as requested.

WHAT WAS THE MAJOR TURNING POINT IN YOUR RECOVERY FROM DEPRESSION?

When I realized that I was stuck at a place where there is no moving forward (moving backward is never meant for me) but I am suffering in pain and anger all alone. I was assuming that no one would help me, but somehow I couldn’t control the negativity anymore.

I read a few blogs on a mental health website called CalmSage and realized that the symptoms I was going through were signs of depression. I decided to message and ask them for help. They gave me emotional support and because I too had no idea about online or offline therapy, they guided me to reach out to my brother and then initiate this process.

WHAT ARE SOME THINGS THAT REALLY HELPED?

1. Opening up to my family and friends

  • I always thought that no one would understand me and make fun of me crying all day long. But I realized that assumptions are definitely not something you must rely on. If you feel uncomfortable, just say it and ask for help.

2. Meditation

  • Even if I knew that things were not right today, the hope for making them right existed deep inside. Meditation helped me to realize the hidden energy which could balance my healing power in a better way.

3. Accepting the truth, with the hope of a silver lining

  • Honestly, it was very tough to accept that I was dealing with depression, and the fear of being judged by people was eating me inside-out. But when I made my health my top priority, something changed inside me. Accepting the truth actually made me become a new person.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHER GUYS FIGHTING DEPRESSION?

Anyone can fall in a pit. But hang in there, buddy! Maintain your patience, but don’t suffer alone. Ask for help to any expert or even your friends and family members, and fight against depression bravely. If you are scared of reaching out, “You will never know until you try.”

– Yash, Architect, Writer, and Globetrotter, Jaipur, India