The desire to live is eternal. Despite knowing the fact that we all have to die someday, every living being has an innate sense of self-preservation and a need to survive. But, even this seemingly insuperable desire to live can be defeated by the complex psychological notions of human beings, which sometimes results in people choosing to end their lives through their own volition.

Arising from grave problems in personal life and unfavorable circumstances, intra-personal conflicts lead a person towards the abyss of depression. And severe depression can potentially lead someone to commit suicide. Sadly, suicide is not a solution to these problems, rather it’s a permanent action that accepts defeat in life.

According to the World Health Organization, mental health is defined as a state of well-being in which every individual realizes his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community.

At present, more than 300 million people are suffering from different types of mental and neural problems worldwide, and over 800,000 people end their lives by suicide each year. More often, mental health and mental disorders are interchanged though these two terms are quite different.

The absence of mental disorders in a person doesn’t necessarily mean that his or her “mental health” is in good condition. Here, depression is playing a huge role behind the scenes.

Usually what we perceive to be “diseases” allows us to identify the issue and seek treatment; but, depression can’t be labeled as such. Depression is hard to diagnose, and its symptoms can be wide ranging and affect people in different ways.

While there are certain signs to watch out for, such as a persistent sad or anxious mood, feeling worthless, pessimistic, or irritable, decreased energy and fatigue, trouble concentrating and making decisions, and difficulty sleeping, these are not definitive signs of depression. Depression can affect anyone at any age, and it can be temporary, chronic, mild, intense, acute, and so on.

Depression is a unique mental reaction, whose seed is latent within every human being. Depression is that type of mental complexity, which generates within a person lack of interest to the outer world, work, and family. Depression isolates a person from his or her surrounding and draws them into abysmal despair. It affects a person severely—causing different psychological and physiological problems. Upon reaching extreme levels, it provokes one to commit suicide.

Depression is a serious and prevalent problem around the world. While it is not known exactly what causes depression, current research suggests that a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors play a role. It’s important to keep an eye out for risk factors that could potentially trigger depressions, including low self-esteem and lack of independence, traumatic or stressful events, alcohol or drug abuse, and family history of mental health disorders.

When these problems reach their extremity, it can cause a person to quit his or her life. Suicide seems like the only ostensible solution to their problem. But, this can’t be the solution. Suicide means giving up on life.

While you are alive, you are in possession of innumerable possibilities and outcomes. But, to draw an end to life means foregoing the opportunity to experience those possibilities.

There are different options available to actively fight against depression. You can try and reduce your stress and anxiety, sometimes exercise and physical activity will help in this regard. Try not to remain isolated and look at opportunities to spend time with family and friends. There are also treatment options available in the form of medication and therapy.

The goal of human soul is to attain perfection, and it moves closer to perfection only when it goes through pain and suffering. Yes, life may sometimes seem unbearable. But, that never implies that one has to end his or her life. As the protagonist in the movie The Cast Away says in one scene, “so now I know what I have to do. I have to keep breathing. And tomorrow the sun will rise, and who knows what the tide will bring in.” This is what life is all about. So, let’s take the oath that we will never give in to depression. We will fight back. We will win over it. Because, life is worth living…