This is mental health awareness week. Millions of people (including accountants and students) experience depression. It is the leading cause of illness in the world. It makes people feel isolated and alone. It is important to understand that it is not a bad mood that can be shaken off or passing sadness.
Depression is like numbness leading to disturbed sleep and poor appetite. It reduces your ability to concentrate and causes feelings of low self-worth, guilt, and shame. Our lives become meaningless and striving for success such as exam preparation can seem hopeless.
It arises due to childhood or adult trauma or even genetics so it is important not to blame the person feeling depressed any more than you would blame someone for having a heart attack.
What can you do to help tackle depression? The most important step to take is to speak to someone but the ironic aspect of this is when you are depressed, you don’t want to speak to anyone.
As friends and family, we need to be vigilant if anyone in our social circle appears withdrawn and isolated. By reaching out with a friendly smile and a sincere greeting, you can help the depressed person feel more secure and able to ask for help.
Many times, my students feel comfortable speaking to me as a lecturer instead of family or colleagues. It’s nice to know you always have someone in your corner with no agenda apart from wanting you to pass your exams. 
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