What is your role in mental health ?

As someone who has suffered from clinical depression and anxiety, I was moved by the events of yesterday and the impact it had on all netizens. Sushant was not just a versatile actor, he was quite successful as someone who transitioned from TV to movies through hard work, determination and passion towards his craft. Apart from being a movie star, he was a true admirer of nature and the cosmos, which was reflected through his Instagram handle. I was an avid follower of his posts, where he used to connect with his fans and often used to reply to their comments. His humility despite his rise in the entertainment industry made him extremely loved. And the cherry on top was him being an engineer, a career which is ardently pursued in our country.

Post his death, I learned that he had been suffering from clinical depression for quite some time, he was taking medicines and going for counselling. What bothered me that most of his co-workers who claimed to be
close to him said that they were not aware of his condition. He was always so full of life.

Many had the same question "what pushed him towards such a decision?"

As Sonia Thomas, Digital Creator has mentioned - suicide is not a split-second decision made before committing the act. It's a systematic downward spiral and we genuinely need to understand and respect the need for mental health resources and education. Due the existing taboo around mental health, we never know what our loved ones are going through. They look extremely happy from outside because there is this increasing pressure about "being positive" all the time. The reason and symptoms behind depression varies from person to person, so, don't be so quick on concluding that the person is fine. 

Patients on mental health need a support system and it must begin with someone they love, it can be their partner, their parent or a friend. How can you help as a friend?

The first step is being open-minded

Success or money is not a measure of someone's mental health. One of the most common questions mental
health patients are asked, what are you missing out in life, you have everything? And for someone like Sushant, this question must have been extremely common.This is called Victim Blaming. This person is looking for help and empathy, and judgement is not going to help. Be kind, listen to their perspective, find out the trigger factor. The second step is to make them feel safe. 

In most cases, people start moving away from their friends, they start isolating themselves, they
don't feel the need to get out of their homes and meet people. Have a discussion with them and find out what is troubling them. Suggest therapysessions and set up appointments with a doctor. Accompany them to the
counselling sessions if possible.

The third step is to, make them trust you.

Check up on them frequently and ask them how they are feeling. Volunteer for helping them out,
it might start with something very simple as sharing a good song, an inspirational video, taking them out for lunch.

And the last step, always remind them that they are not alone in their journey. Remind them that they are loved. Don't abandon them if you can't take responsibility.

If your friend isfeeling suicidal, don't leave them alone. Try to keep them engaged through activities they love, and they are genuinely good at. This person needs to find a reason to live, give them that reason. Thousands of people commit suicide, we often question what we could have done better ? How about starting with creating a world where they don't feel embrassed to share their thoughts.