Reflections

I am a mirror, and I have seen it all. From the happiest moments to the darkest ones, I have reflected them all. But the thing that haunts me the most is the sadness I have seen in the eyes of the people who stare at me. I am just a piece of glass, but they seem to look at me as if I hold all the answers to their problems.

Today, a young girl came in, and she seemed lost. Her eyes were red, and tears were streaming down her face. She looked at me with a broken gaze, and I reflected back the pain I saw in her eyes. It was clear that she was struggling with mental health issues, and it made me feel helpless.

It is not just her, though. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 1 in 4 people in the world will be affected by mental or neurological disorders at some point in their lives. That’s a staggering number, and it’s disheartening to see that so many people are struggling to cope with their mental health.

As I watch people come and go, I wish I could do something to help them. But I am just a mirror, and I can only reflect what I see. I can bear witness to their struggles, but I can’t change anything. The truth is, we need to take action to support those who are dealing with mental health issues.

Depression is one of the most common mental health disorders, affecting over 264 million people worldwide. It’s a debilitating illness that can affect every aspect of a person’s life, including their work, relationships, and physical health. But the good news is that depression is treatable, and early detection can make a huge difference. As the famous psychiatrist and psychoanalyst Carl Jung once said,

“Your vision will become clear only when you can look into your own heart. Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes.”

One of the keys to recognizing the early signs of depression is to pay attention to your own thoughts and feelings. Depression often starts with feelings of sadness or hopelessness, but it can also manifest as irritability, anger, or frustration. Other signs of depression may include changes in appetite or sleep patterns, difficulty concentrating, and a loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyable.

A twitter thread discusses a simple self-driven approach to help conquer these hidden monsters, because we can’t wait to be saved, can we? If I could, I would tell all those catching their glimpse in me to take matters into their own hands before I shatter under the weight of their pain.

Self-care is one of the most important things that people can do for their mental wellness. Self-care is all about taking care of yourself, both physically and mentally. It’s about recognizing your own needs and taking steps to meet them. Self-care can take many forms, such as exercise, healthy eating, meditation, spending time with loved ones, and pursuing hobbies and interests. Let me share an infographic here to help drive the point home.

Another way to help is to practice mindfulness. This involves paying attention to our thoughts and feelings without judgment, and learning to let go of negative thoughts that can contribute to depression. Mindfulness practices such as meditation and deep breathing can help us develop a sense of inner peace and calm.

Lastly, it’s important to remember that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. If you’re struggling with depression, don’t be afraid to reach out to a mental health professional for support. They can provide you with the tools and resources you need to overcome your depression and live a fulfilling life.

Just like the weather, life has its different seasons. Sometimes it’s bright and sunny, and other times it’s dark and gloomy. Depression can feel like a never-ending storm, but just like we take an umbrella to keep the rain away, we can take steps to care for our mental health during the tough times. Maybe it’s talking to a therapist, taking a mental health day, or practicing self-care activities like exercise or meditation. Whatever it may be, remember that it’s okay to seek help and take care of yourself. Just like the seasons, life will change and brighter days will come. Keep holding on, and remember that you’re not alone.

P. S. As a mirror, I can only reflect and these reflections can be daunting sometimes. If you’re looking for a quick and fun way to incorporate mindfulness into your daily routine, check out this video on Instagram! It has some simple steps with a dash of humour to help you unwind after this deep dive into reality. Here’s the link: Mind… It Matters! Let me know in the comments what you think!