Thee days ago last year, my friend S.C. attempted suicide due to his long-term depression, and he passed away two days later in the hospital. Yesterday was the anniversary of his death. We worked together in a little school which is filled with dominantly female staff. We always took him in as “one of us” because he was such a gentle soul. S.C. and I worked together for years. He was a dear friend, a confidante, and a brother to all of us.

Last year, S.C. suffered severe back pain which eventually deprived his ability to run as a marathon runner. Running, as we later found out, was his “drug” for his depression. When his ability to run was taken away, he faded to live in a shriveled shadow in pain. We thought we were so tight as a team, except that no one actually suspected of his growing depression, a silent killer. People with depression can sometimes hide it so well.

It’s been a year. As the new school year approaching, I have been very anxious about many things, particularly with this haunting memory of his death lingers over me. I still remember vividly the moment I got the news about his passing at a restaurant surrounded by a group of friends from work.

I am deeply sorry for his wife, his boy, and his siblings. I know it would be a horrible time in that household right now because it has been a really tough year for them. All I can say is, S.C., we miss you dearly, and I hope that you are in peace and suffer no longer!

 

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This note was posted three days ago on my Facebook, and I reposted here to share with all of you. Depression is more prevalent in our society than we think. Many people who suffer from depression are neither properly detected, or they simply do not want the friends and family to know about it. Mental illness continues to fall in the grey zone of the medical diagnosis and a taboo in our society. Many people just don’t ask or don’t tell. Take care of your family and friends, and don’t wait till it is too late.