Say NO to Depression (6B Law Chi Kin)

School days are supposed to be the happiest time of one’s life. Nonetheless, according to a recent survey, many Hong Kong students are not happy with their lives. Some even have a pessimistic attitude towards life. This phenomenon deserves our attention.
 
Depression is a kind of mental disorder which sufferers often display low self-confidence, along with losing interest in anything around. It can seriously hinder one’s interaction with others, worsening their family and social relationships as well as performance in school. Also they have a higher tendency to commit suicide.

As the education system in Hong Kong is too examination-oriented, a multitude of students fail to achieve good academic result and feel frustrated. It is common that tremendous family and academic pressure can cause depression to students. My friend Tom is one of the victims but has already retrieved from it. As the only son in the family, he bore all the hope of his parents, who were businessmen. Tom was literally demanded to come top in everything, including his studies and extra-curricular area such as piano exam. Nothing seemed wrong until he was in Form 6. When he had to prepare for the public exam, he began to have gloomy face and became reluctant to chat with others, as I observed him in our friend gathering. Later on, he stared to decline all gathering and completely withdraw himself from social circles. Last month, he phoned at midnight to tell me he simply could not take it anymore and wanted to commit suicide. Finally, I encouraged him to seek professional help and the mental doctor confirmed he suffered from depression.

With the help of the mental doctor, Tom realized that failure to achieve good academic results itself is not a problem provided that you have tried your best, it is your values that matter. Tom also started to release pressure through leisure activities, so he rejoined friend gatherings. Finally, he became cheerful again. He knew how to handle the pressure and treated them as a source of motivation.

 
If you are suffering from tremendous stress, you should seek professional help and identify the sources of stress. Also support from family and friends is crucial. That is why it is advisable for us to share our problems with them when we feel stressed.