To Everyone Who says, Suicide is not an Option

To Everyone Who says, Suicide is not an Option 

Well, tough.

For many people, rich and poor, successful and failed, it sometimes is the only one. People don't actually want to end their lives, but they do want the pain to stop. It is sad, so sad to admit that sometimes, in certain situations in life, people do choose death over life. These people don't need you to tell them "Only cowards commit suicide" or that "Suicide is never an option". They have been on that road and returned bruised. broken and barely living. So, instead of saying it isn't an option, accept that in the current economy, it kinda is. Try and create other options. If you have the mental and financial capacity create better alternatives that death for people who need it the most.  Reach out to people. Offer help, ask for help. Be a part of the process in a manner that goes beyond trending tweets and sad Instagram posts. 

Here are some NGO's you can volunteer for:

• Samaritans Mumbai
• Sisterlivingworks
• Aasra
• Sumaitri

At the very least talk to your family and friends and be there when they need you. Remember to put yourself first though.

To all the Lone wolves,

We started living in societies for a reason. None of us is a lone wolf. We need each other. Men are not immune to mental health problems. Testosterone isn't a substitute for dopamine. In the words of Mikesh, " Be a man, and cry like a bitch". SSR was a Mechanical Engineer, the epitome of masculinity in Indian society today. It did nothing for him. Let go of all the imaginary ideas of masculinity and call your friends to cry. It's okay.

To everyone who thinks Depression is a hoax,

Depression is not the consequence of a bad decision. Not something you do to yourself. It is a disease like your fever is. Though much more potent and deadly. As we have already seen. SSR was also an actor. His job was to express. And he chose to die, instead of speaking out. Unlike most things on social media today, Depression is not a hoax. Don't go investigating the reason behind everyone's depression. It is neither your place nor your job. Instead of conducting regular privacy invasions, try and create spaces where people can freely speak out. 

To all the poets, I have loved before,

Stop romanticizing depression. It isn't artsy to forget what it feels like to cry.

To every fitness enthusiast,

Your mental fitness is also equally important and needs attention. Reaching out to people and speaking about your feelings isn't easy. But, neither are leg days. You need to actively work on your mental health. Discuss meditation techniques as frequently as you discuss protein shakes. Be healthy, physically, AND mentally.

To everyone reading this,

Talk to your parents/friends/counselor about any issue you are facing. Seek help. It doesn't make you weak. It just makes you human.

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