DEPRESSION

Everyone goes through depression. 
No one is spared.  No one.

It's nothing to be shy or ashamed of. 
Like any other sickness depression can be treated effectively with proper attention, therapy and medication. 
Early detection is important. 
Experts tell us within two weeks, treatment should begin otherwise the problem may escalate.  

Taken in a positive light depression is the body's way of telling us to slow down, take a rest, take stock and re-prioritize.  Change our thought pattern, realign our feelings and check our behavior.

Being mentally/emotionally disturbed is disruptive in many ways and causes several other parties immense suffering as well.

When  the patient recovers from his depression he will do well to take his experience as a valuable lesson and learn the signs and symptoms of his 'suffering' and to take the necessary steps towards prevention.
There is every probability of  relapse taking into account the complexities of modern living!

Unlike in the old days, one need not suffer alone and in silence. 
If you know someone (or even yourself) who might be facing seemingly insurmountable challenges in his life (and feels his world falling apart) and unable to cope mentally, please speak to someone in confidence and ask for help. 

Know that there are people - family, friends, colleagues, professionals- who really love, empathize and care for your (friend's) well-being.
To be able to help another person regain his equilibrium so that he can once again function normally and be happy must be the most satisfying task ever ...

A PEEP INTO THE PAST

Wonder what her life would be like today had she said "Yes" to America thirty five years ago ...

Memories are made of these.

CLOSURE

It was a mistake to let her guard down.  Created the perfect opening for his conniving.
Merciless in his brutal violation of her fragile emotions, he stole her innocence, killed her dream, mocked her naivety, ridiculed her resistance.  
And then he left.

Confused, naked and vulnerable, she ran and hid in torment and anguish of mind and spirit.

She seeks closure to the turmoil .... and prays for peace.

HERE'S LOOKING AT YOU

It doesn't take much to make a difference in another person's life.

A kind word and genuine compliment usually bring a blush of contentment. 

A gentle handclasp sends a message of care, concern ... affirmation. 
A pat on the back that says 'Well Done' could initiate even better performance.
A smile of approval can boost a discouraged heart.
An affectionate kiss is a strong validation of a person's worth.
A listening ear and a ready hug could even save a life...

WRITE ON

She writes because of him.

Words ... the only link left between them.
Alphabets strung together artfully to create sentences, paragraphs, pages; funny, stern, provocative, chaotic, cheeky, challenging thoughts and anecdotes -- some imagined while others garnered from experiences -- flow from her mind, down her fingertips, to work the key board  and transcribe her writing onto the computer screen. 
Finished, they spin delightful accounts of events, places, people and culinary explosions to amuse, amaze, aggravate and arouse...

The more she writes, the more she wants to write.

Words unveil feelings that would otherwise be locked and lost.  Words bring down barricades of pent-up emotions offering some respite and release for a tormented mind; an escape.
Writing makes one younger and happier without having to move from one's seat.  Really!

He nudges her.
"Write on", he whispers.
She hears the mute applause carried by the wind from the endless expanse of space that separates her world from his.

Once again she feels his love cocoons her even in the chilling silence.  The frost bites.  She grits her teeth to hold back the tears; imagines him looking indulgently over her shoulder, a faint smile on his lips.  
He bends closer to read what she is writing.  She smells him and continues to type feverishly, desperate for him to linger not wanting this visit to end.  

Yes, write she must for that is when he draws close...

CELEBRATE LIFE

In loving you, I'm loving life.
There is so much life in you to love!

It gets better with every new chapter.

I'm savouring the best not by chance but by choice...

BITTER SWEET

The more one tries to forget, the more one remembers ...

SECRET HIDING PLACE

I keep an intimate corner of my heart and mind solely for me; a sanctuary to which I often retreat to refresh, recharge, rejuvenate. 

In playful imagination I allow my thoughts and feelings to run wild and free, uninhibited ...liberating  my spirit to take flight, to soar into another realm and transport me to a state of euphoria. 

This is my space, my secret hiding place, my sanity.

COUNSELLING

I once took a counselling assignment too far and ended up an emotional wreck---mentally drained and physically exhausted. 
I wasn't properly trained then and thought my good intentions were enough. 
I was wrong.

Counselling is not about being a hero.
Sometimes when you try to help someone, you could end up with serious emotional damages (entanglements) on both sides especially when you're ill-prepared to deal with the complexities of the client's problems.
Some issues are not so straight forward and may require investigations of various kinds involving groups of different expertise.

The counsellor and client relationship is a strong commitment and responsibility that sticks closer than most other relationships. 

Counselling is serious business and should not be regarded as friendly coffee-shop chit-chat.
A counsellor and best friend play different roles and we should not think that one could replace the other.

FRIENDS FOR LIFE

Don't be disappointed if the people you thought who would stay, left and the ones whom you imagined would leave, stayed. 

Life is full of surprises.

What about you?
Would you take off in a hurry and abandon your friend because everyone else is doing it?  OR would you stay even when you know it's an unpopular decision?  

Great stories are made of these!