Being alone and lonely are two different worlds

Shocking to know of a young, multi talented, self made great Bollywood actor Shushant took a decision to end his life permanently. Blaming the industry, success, money are of little to no use nevertheless these are somethings that's constantly happening all around us but we choose to consciously ignore. Every year around 150 thousand Indians decide their own end date which is almost 15~20% of the total suicides in the world. Are we doing something fundamentally wrong in the way we are evolving as humans? People try to fit into a bucket, a norm , an image, an example which is basically decided by the society without understanding that the very basic nature of humans are to be unique. Often we get to hear weak minds take such decisions and strong ones survive, life is precious, suicide is not the solution etc.., but then why does this keep happening around the world. Unfortunately as a society we see everything in black & white but consciously forget that there are million shades of grey in between, There are no weak and strong minds, but rather chemical reactions in our minds sprung out of our emotions that leads to such decisions.

The society points fingers when one does not fit the norm, who decides the norms anyways? Who is this society? when will we all understand that there is nothing abnormal in this world?

Schools teach moral sciences but fail to teach how to overcome depression and anxiety, it is a taboo to speak about them openly and we name it a disorder!! such a disgrace to humanity. Media constantly reminds who we are, who we have to aspire for, what is success and failure. Industries set standards for companies to meet failing to do so becomes a failed company. This behavior of our society cuts across individuals, families and corporate alike which is not going to balance out any soon.

Depression and anxiety are real, the world gives opportunities to learn, adapt , take a pause and react or respond. The today's pandemic situation was exactly such phase of the world and many failed to understand. People felt they need someone to lean upon, talk to when they felt lonely, many felt anger and many sad that their norms were interrupted and restricted. Even without such situations many people do feel lonely even when they are within a huge crowd and no restrictions. Many more have been left alone disconnected from their families, people walking distances to reach their homes, businesses taking losses, having difficulties to survive and so on. Being Alone and lonely are two different aspects of life, People usually misunderstand the two, being alone is not permanent but fail to understand that being lonely is a very hard feeling to overcome which may lead to depression and anxieties which may further lead to unnecessary decisions usually taken in haste of time. Most people don't even speak out that they have such a situation just for fear of family & society. The solution from medical science are anti-depressants, where America has 25 million people taking it regularly and dependent on these. These prescribed drugs only postpones these feelings only to re-emerge again more stronger only to loose the capacity of the drugs itself.

We as a society needs transformation in accepting the realty and deal with it in a sensible manner, Although it is the individual who needs to take first step to come out of the situation its equally important for the society to give enough space, importance and not judge, be open for conversations. Psychological surveys says that most people having depression and anxiety can overcome it without any drugs, with a structured learning & practice methodologies. The more simple we think of human mind, the more complex it is and of-course it comes with billions of versions. Let us all take a strive to educate people around us that these states of minds exists and are not disorders!, accept the reality and contribute in a small way towards a mature society.