Dobara Puchho!

Let me tell you about a recent incident in my life about how a friend's joke led to a lifeline!

We all have those friends we lose touch with, not out of choice, but because life takes us on different paths. I recently had a profound experience with one such friend, someone I hadn't spoken to in over six years. What started as a light-hearted exchange ended up being a powerful reminder of the importance of reaching out to those we care about.

One day, I received a message from this friend, out of the blue. We exchanged pleasantries and caught up on the years that had slipped by. It was during this conversation that he jokingly mentioned that he needed a psychiatrist when he learned I was pursuing psychology. At first, I jokingly told him how I’m aspiring to be a psychologist, not a psychiatrist, and brushed it off as light banter, something to laugh about.

But something in me told me that maybe I should ask him again if what he said about needing a psychiatrist was really just a joke or not.

And when I did, I learned that what he had initially presented as a joke was, in reality, a plea for help. As we continued talking, my friend opened up about the challenging times he had been facing. He confessed to experiencing symptoms of depression, describing his constant emotional struggles and how he had been struggling with suicidal ideation.

What struck me the most was his admission that he couldn't open up to anyone about his mental health issues. The people he should have been able to turn to for support - his closest friends and family - had unintentionally pushed him away. They had labeled his struggles as "weakness," leading him to believe that he should suffer in silence.

It was disheartening to learn that my friend had been silently battling his demons because of the fear of judgment and the stigma associated with mental health issues. This is a situation many individuals find themselves in daily, concealing their pain behind smiles and jokes. What began as a light-hearted comment had quickly transformed into a serious and painful cry for help.

Realizing the gravity of his situation, I listened to his concerns and experiences without judgment. I let him know that his feelings were valid, and that seeking help was not a sign of weakness but one of strength. I encouraged him to explore professional therapy as a means of addressing his depression. Gradually, he became more receptive to the idea of seeking help.

In the end, my friend took the courageous step of signing up for therapy. It's a journey that will undoubtedly be challenging, but one that holds the promise of healing and renewal. I'm grateful that our conversation, which began with a joke, became a lifeline for him.

This experience reinforced the notion that we must not underestimate the power of small signs and casual comments. Sometimes, those we care about mask their struggles behind jokes and laughter, not because they want to, but because they feel they have no other option. My friend's story serves as a reminder of the importance of breaking the stigma surrounding mental health. It's crucial that we create a safe and judgment-free space for our loved ones to open up about their struggles. Often, all it takes is a listening ear, a comforting word, and the assurance that they are not alone. So, let's be vigilant, let's listen, and let's extend a hand when needed. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those we care about.

Dobara Puchho!

-Muskan Santwani