Many people have faced some form of depression in life. Not everyone has the same level or severity, but there are those who battle this demon and sadly, aren't able to win. In late November, shortly after Thanksgiving, a fellow coworker of mine had passed away due to an overdose. He was a very sweet young man, who was able to brighten up a room with his smile. However, little did many really want to know, or admit, was that he was falling into a darkness that he was unable to crawl out of. Sadly in the end, it was too late when those around him tried to reach out.
Many individuals who take it upon themselves to end their life due to depression try to reach out for help. He even said a small statement to me about how his problem with drugs had returned, but in the end, I said and did nothing. I mostly refrained from doing anything, because I didn't know how to approach the situation, and step forward to help him. When everyone at work heard of the devastating news, people began to hear all of the little stories of things he had said and done to call out for help. A lot of the things that he said or did were big red flags. Depression is sadly an ongoing issue with many people who are suicidal and are trying to reach out to others. To follow that, a lot of people aren't aware of suicidal signs, and if they are, they don't know how to approach getting help for the situation.
There were many people at work that were truly crushed by the news of my coworker. The day of his visitation, there was a sadness that filled the workplace. Many of our mutual coworkers felt ashamed for not doing something sooner. Some were broken by the sheer realization that he was no longer with us. Everyone knew that a good soul was lost, due to his struggles, and partially to their inability to be aware of how to help him.
A lot of people will talk about everything that they wish they could have done. Words can only do so much in a situation such as this one. An action must be taken in order for the person to no longer feel that they are alone. Will your action be the cure-all for their situation? Most likely not. Physically being there for the person will do far more wonders than one would think. While there are always ways to help an individual with depression, at the end of the day, it is up to that individual to seek help. The thing is, we also have to remember to stick by our word to give help, and be a strong support system to these individuals, rather than turning a blind eye. Unfortunately, I felt as if my coworker couldn't receive the help he needed, because his drug abuse was 'bad', and several people labeled him as such.
In the end, there are many people who say that they wish they had done things differently to help my coworker. Now that this incident has occurred, people must learn what to do next time they see an individual facing these same challenges in life. Many of us will know someone facing depression related issues. Someone will always be out there calling for help. You just have to extend your hand, and follow through with your offer to help. Don't be the bystander that hopes for the situation to handle itself. Be the potential savior for the next person, who might be fighting a battle that not everyone can relate to.
