DEPRESSION has been a hot topic recently in social media. Some have even surmised that the main reason for it could be someone's low EQ or emotional quotient.
Whatever could be the reason behind this condition, a lot of people have been one in saying that it is something no one should make fun of. This stand must be the major logic behind the bashing and negative comments Joey de Leon received.
It can be recalled that the veteran comedian-host made headlines following his statement on depression, which he blurted out during one of the episodes of "Eat Bulaga" earlier this month.
"'Yung depression gawa-gawa lang ng mga tao 'yan. Gawa nila sa sarili nila (Depression is just made up by people. They do it to themselves)," he said as a reaction to one contestant's revelation during the "Juan for All, All for Juan" segment.
According to the latest data from the World Health Organization (WHO), depression is a "common mental disorder" and it affects more than 300 individuals worldwide. The international body further elaborated that "At its worst, depression can lead to suicide."
In the Philippines, some celebrities admitted about having experienced a difficult battle with depression.
Who would ever believe that comedian Vice Ganda was once a suicidal teenager?
In an interview with PEP in 2015, the "It's Showtime" host admitted that when he was 19 years old, he thought of ending his life.
"Kasi dun sa ilang nakakaalam ng istorya ng buhay ko, yungmganakanoodng MMK [Maalaala Mo Kaya] kodati, way back, na-realize ko lang kasi, nungedadko pong 19 years old, nag-attempt akong mag-suicide sa sobrang depression," he said.
In September 2015, the son of Mr. Pure Energy, Gary Valenciano, and Angeli Pangilinan posted a lengthy message about his struggle, which he said lasted for four years.
"Before I left for the States, I was secretly hiding under an umbrella of depression for a good 4 years, drowning in an industry I was never really accepted in and masking it by going out almost every night and making worst decisions in life," his post read.
Few Hollywood stars also had their share of this sad phase.
People reported that behind the fun-loving stance of Owen Wilson was a "dark" story of his past. In 2007, he reportedly attempted suicide.
Accordingly, some of his friends even noted that the actor "battled his share of demons, which have included drug addiction.
In January 2008, the world was shocked to know about the tragic death of Heath Ledger, who earned international fame for his performance in "Brokeback Mountain," due to sleeping pills, painkillers and anxiety drugs "accidental" overdose. According to People, several sources talked about his depression after his breakup with Michelle Williams.
Amid this fact about depression, many netizens have joined the campaign for everyone to "Keep Going" despite life's difficulties. A number of posts have been talking about reassuring others that someone is always willing to listen.
Personally, I have seen successful people drowning in depression because of how others, including their family, treat them. I hope that everyone will be kinder so that no one would think of suicide as the only resort. After all, not everyone is capable of taking in all the pain in this world.