Depression is a painful topic. But I had this sudden urge to write about it because I recently learned that a friend was silently battling it. I only knew about her situation after a long conversation over her disturbing post on Facebook last year. She said she wanted to kill herself and if a friend posted something like that on social media, you’ll be alarmed. 

Her family members and closest friends stormed her post with comforting and motivating messages that whatever she’s going through in her married life she could surpass it. I called her and asked what’s wrong? Good thing she answered her phone. We talked all night. It was a long story to tell. But the bottom-line and the thing we’re all thankful for was – she didn’t do it.

The American Psychiatric Association (APA) defined depression as a “common and serious medical illness that negatively affects how you feel, the way you think, and how you act”. If not treated, it could lead to disability since the person’s ability to function at work and home was compromised. 

Symptoms vary from mild to severe and might include the following: emptiness, loss of interest in activities once enjoyed, change in appetite, trouble sleeping, increased fatigue, slowed movements, feeling worthless or guilty, difficulty thinking or making decisions, and suicidal thoughts. According to the Department of Health (DOH), we should watch out for the three dreaded “H” symptoms of depression – haplessness, hopelessness, and helplessness. If someone close to you has these signs, seek help. Not later but as soon as possible.

Again, depression could lead to suicide. In the case of my friend, we were forewarned. But for others, it was too late. No warnings. No provocations. They just did it. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that one person every 40 seconds die by suicide or close to 800,000 people every year. It was also the second leading cause of death among 15-29 years old.

In the Philippines, the record was also a cause of concern. Over 3.3-million Filipinos were affected by it in 2017 which was the highest among the member-countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. Depression could affect anyone even people who relatively have everything in this material world. 

In 2018, President Rodrigo Duterte made history when he signed into law the first mental health act. The law provided for the rights of patients or service users, family members, carers and legal representatives, and mental health practitioners. It also mandated the provision of psychiatric, psychosocial, and neurological services in tertiary hospitals and basic mental health services in communities. 

This law was a milestone in psychiatry in the country but significant logistical challenges (e.g. manpower, facilities) were hampering its successful implementation. One way to address the gaps and confront the white elephant in the room was for the government and non-government organizations to work closely to pull their resources together following the blueprint laid by the law. 

Mental health should never be neglected. Aside from getting psychotherapy, people suffering from depression need the love, help, and support from family, friends, and communities they live in. Advocacies have to be heightened not only in urban but in rural areas. This piece was just rubbing the surface about depression. More things have to be done. Depression was like a treacherous foe that could be defeated not by just by one hero but a league of heroes.