I once had an enlightening conversation with a dear friend that drew my attention to how prevalent depression has become among young people. Having experienced schizophrenia in the past, he was certainly not new to conversations about mental and emotional health. Our conversation reminded me of something we often forget: emotional health, just like physical health, is usually not appreciated until it comes under attack.
Many young people are moving through life carrying things they have never learned to name. Academic pressure, uncertainty about the future, relationship struggles, family expectations, financial difficulties, loneliness and the pressure to appear successful can all take a toll. Yet because we are often more comfortable talking about a broken leg than a troubled mind, many suffer quietly.
I like to play with the word “depressed” by stretching it into “de—-pressed.” It gives me a picture of someone being pressed hard by something, sometimes from so many directions that they hardly know what is weighing them down.
But depression is more than simply having a bad day or thinking negatively. We all experience sadness, worry and disappointment. Depression, however, can be persistent and overwhelming, affecting how a person thinks, feels, sleeps, works, relates to others and experiences life. Sometimes the person experiencing it may not even fully understand what is happening.
This is why paying attention to our inner world matters.
Consider this simple example:
Thought: You’re so late. The deadline is almost due.
Narrator 1: I’m doomed! What do I even tell my group members?
Narrator 2: Wow, I better hurry. Better late than never.
Both narrators have encountered the same situation. The difference is in where their minds go next.
Narrator 1 immediately moves into the imagined consequences. What will happen? What will people think? What if everything goes wrong? One thought gives birth to another, and within minutes, the person feels overwhelmed by a future that has not even happened.
Narrator 2 acknowledges the problem but remains with the present moment: I am late. What can I do now?
There is something powerful about learning to notice our thoughts without allowing every thought to become a verdict about our lives.
This does not mean that someone can simply “think positively” and overcome depression. That can be a hurtful thing to tell someone who is genuinely struggling. Sometimes, what we need is not another motivational quote but a listening ear, a safe conversation and, when necessary, professional help.
Perhaps one of the greatest gifts we can give young people this International Youth Day is permission to talk.
Ask your friend how they are doing and be willing to listen beyond “I’m fine.” Check on the person who has suddenly become withdrawn. Notice the friend who no longer enjoys the things they once loved. And if you are the one struggling, please do not consider asking for help a sign of weakness.
Our minds need care too.
We may not always be able to control the thoughts that enter our minds, but we can learn to notice them, question them and seek help when they become too heavy to carry alone.
Sometimes the first step out of being “de—-pressed” is simply recognising that you have been under pressure.
