I’m not a fan of Sushant Singh Rajput. In fact, I’ve not even seen any of his movies. And yet, the news of his death rattled me completely. What demons was he battling on his own? Demons so big and strong that they didn’t let him reach out to others? Didn’t he have anyone to talk to? A friend who could hold his hand and hear him out without passing judgement? Someone who could talk him into going for therapy? Wasn’t there anyone? In the endless contacts on his phone and friends on social media, was there no one to talk to?
Mental illness is one of the most taboo subject in our society. What will your reaction be if your mother, father, sister, brother, spouse, child, friend, colleague told you that they’re suffering from depression? Will you listen or will you judge? Ask yourself this question. It is people like us, you and me, who fail to accept the symptoms of depression in our loved ones because how can any one we know be unhappy or heaven forbid, be ‘depressed’.
Depression can be treated. It can be fixed. It doesn’t have to lead to suicide. The most important thing a person suffering from it needs, above all else, is for somebody to hear him out without judgement, prejudice or fear. And if you are that ‘somebody’ then I beg you to pay attention, show empathy and keep track. Maybe your follow-up might save the life of the person.
I will turn to books for solace. Books on mental illness with happy endings and maybe some with not-so-happy ones. I’ll sign off with this inspirational quote from Matt Haig.
“Depression is also smaller than you. Always, it is smaller than you, even when it feels vast. It operates within you, you do not operate within it. It may be a dark cloud passing across the sky but - if that is the metaphor - you are the sky.”
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His death has hit me hard too! Really makes one introspect how much they can be 'there' for people, and also think about who they might be able to count on in their dark times. Some of the ugly things about Bollywood which are coming to light after Sushant's passing are truly disturbing as well. It's so sad all around.
ReplyDeleteIt is, isn't it? I just keep thinking of his parents and what they must be going through. What they will go through every day of their lives. I hope the conversation after his death does not continue about nepotism in Bollywood but on creating awareness about mental illness and seeking help.
DeleteSpeaking of Psychological thrillers with a happy ending, "When Nietzche Wept" by Irvin Yalom cannot be ignored. On speaking with someone about mental issues, I have myself tried them but there are forms of existential despair which cannot be resolved by any amount of talk or medication. Happy suffering is the only way...and yes, books and music can be good distractions...
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