Yesterday I spent some time watching the Roadrunner, a documentary on Anthony Bourdain. Did you know that he committed suicide? His story is eerily similar to Chester Bennigton, Linkin Park lead singer who also died after hanging himself as well as the famous fashion designer Kate Spade.
What these 3 have in common is they could have mental illness and suffering from depression. I am sure there are other probable common underlying factors, but to me, being successful comes with one apparent disadvantage. The idea of normalcy in your mind and those around you does not match with your reality. Whether you are mentally prepared to live in your reality when at the same time you keep on observing other people's life and their idea of normal. How does one reconciled these conflicting ideas?
I don't know why I always have this urge to do a deep dive after watching movies that are based on true story or a book and also documentary especially when the subject matter involves possible psychological issues. Am I in the wrong profession or is psychology just my side interest? A question to ponder in deed. I digress.
The cold hard truth is depression and mental illness is definitely on the rise. I'm not a qualified medical psychologist in any way shape or form, but I feel that mental illnesses are real medical issues. but they are very hard to diagnose and treated because the symptoms are not visible to the eyes. Depressions can take many form and could stem from so many sources. The fact that social media, the very medium that is supposed to bring people together but in reality is driving people further apart could be the main culprit.
I do feel like social media plays a huge role in the rising number of depressions especially amongst the younger generation. These interactive platforms that constantly feed our mind with celebrity updates, million dollar mansions and lifestyle of those rich and famous will definitely made any normal person green with envy.
I do believe that we should do more to combat this. People need to be aware of the common symptom of mental illness not just for self diagnosis purposes but also to make sure our love ones do not suffer such torment alone. A community drive in the form of mental health awareness campaign should be promoted loudly and widely. Therapy sessions should also be made accessible everywhere and those public/training hospitals that already have those services should do more to promote their services
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