Hey, I am Chacko. And here’s my story of survival.
Survivor Series: Chacko Jacob
It always sneaks up on me. Holding down the new, exciting job? Relationships with friends and family going well? Been days without a single suicidal thought? Boom, there it is; time to isolate from other human beings to the point of not hearing your own voice for weeks, while binge drinking to stave off the overwhelming shame that comes with abandoning every responsibility and hiding away in your own filth.
Survivor Series: Chacko Jacob
From my experience, I believe there are a few things that help:
- Setting up routines and mechanisms to ensure that I get my space when I’m exhausted of people, but not in a way that I can completely isolate myself for days (despite best efforts, that happened again recently, but it happens far less often that before)
- Make hay while the sun shines: use good moments to be productive, catch up with old friends and go out into nature
- Know that this moment too shall pass. And well, it will be back again, but maybe there will be a couple of good days in between 🙂
- Depressed people make great stoics. Use your calmness and indifference to bring peace and objectivity to those around you (making you feel better in the process)
- Find meaningful work
Everyone is different and needs different things. Some need to be listened to, some need silent company, and others may just need a hug. These things aren’t going to cure anybody of depression, but a kind remark or a smile might be the difference between a crappy day and slightly less crappy day, and for a person living with depression that’s quite a difference. On a more concrete note: encourage an open culture around you, remove the shame and stigma from talking about anything at all, especially mental illness.
— Chacko Jacob–
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