I Fought The Invisible Beast

Hello Friends,

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I hear people talking about the good old days of their childhood, and how they miss their lives as kids. I smile each time I see this, because my childhood wasn't that fun, and it affected my mental and psychological state of mind.

While I was younger, at about 9-10 years of age, I went to stay with my aunty that lived in a faraway state. She sells all manner of drinks and beverages in a small store. That was the beginning of my childhood trauma.

I barely ate there, but I worked like a grown-up man with 5 kids, lol. Responsibility brought the mature man out of me. After about a few years, I went back to my parents who were in the Northeastern part of my country (Borno state, the home of Boko Haram terrorists).

Just few weeks after I landed Borno state, Boko Haram terrorists invaded our location at night and caused havoc, kidnapping and forcefully adopting every young boy they saw. It was all run and hide that night.

I was actually adopted by this terrorists, alongside many other boys in the area. We were to be trained to become terrorists and fight against our government. Just on the first day there, we were given spaghetti pasta, and we were told to relax, but I managed to escape from the camp, where I spent 2 nights in the bush before getting home.

This is just a glimpse of how rough my childhood was. But just when I thought it all ended in my childhood, I found myself feeling depressed and usually unhappy, especially when I hear sad news about my country's disruption state.

Depression would creep in like an invisible beast, unaware and unannounced, lol. Depression has become a normal and common thing among many youths of today. It comes in many ways, and take away every form of motivation and drive to move forward.

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Whenever I allow myself to feel depressed, it's usually a battle between my mind and my brain. My brain would bring up old and sad memories, while my mind would counter those negative thoughts and refusing to succumb to the beast’s shadows.

It's this constant battles in our heads and minds that makes most people to go and commit suicide while battling depression. I survived the days I never thought I would, and it only made me stronger mentally.

They were days waking up each morning felt like a torment, and the light of day only reminded me of the battlefield that lies within me. But, it was in these depths of despair that my spirit refused to be quenched. With every ounce of strength, I fought against the engulfing shadows, mustering the courage to face another day.

I would always remember the saying, 'there's light at the end of the tunnel', and thus my motivation, as I was so determined to get to that end of the tunnel each day.

While battling with depression, I read lots of books on how to overcome this beast, and I found alot of tips that helped me. Engaging in regular physical activity became a basic part of my daily routine. I filled my mind with positive thoughts and motivating people. I ate well and had good sleeps as well.

My spirit, though tested by the relentless waves of depression, refused to break. I then discovered that I possess an indomitable spirit capable of overcoming any obstacle. It was my circle of friends, family and loved ones that motivated my spirit to thrive and overcome depression.

Through their support and empathy, they reminded me that vulnerability is not a weakness but a shared human experience, creating deeper bonds that became instruments in my journey towards healing.

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To anyone fighting depression, first know that it's a battle that can be overcome. And know that you are not alone in this, we believe in you. Fighting depression is a journey that you must face to prove your spirit is unwavering and ready for better days.

I am not afraid of depressions, because I know I would always overcome and stand stronger everytime. Depression only reminds me that, if I can defeat the invisible beast, then I can overcome any physical or mental challenge too.

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Thanks for your time here.