Don't Give It Life

I have heard and read a lot about depression, I have also been depressed but I didn't let go of myself as I always remember Uyi my friend and what depression did to her.

Uyi was not in my league by any standard. I was only lucky to be friends with her. She was older than me, very beautiful and talented, she is from a very wealthy background. Uyi never relied on the wealth of her parents as she was so passionate about her life goals which involves her career.

I met Uyi in my jamb tutorial class. I had passed my WAEC and was really happy and prepared to put in effort so I could also gain admission into the university. Uyi was already a graduate then. She wanted to study theater Art. this made us very close because we did same subject. I and Edosa were her friends. I didn't want to ask too many questions because I didn't want her to get angry at me. I really valued her friendship and I didn't want to get ahead of myself.

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She told us a lot about the university, which helped me when I finally got into the university. She explained CGPA, how I must work hard in my hundred level to have a good result, the type of friends I should keep and the likes. I got into a different school while Uyi and Edosa got into University of Benin. We made sure we saw each other every time I traveled home for anything.

She got married while I was writing my second semester 200 Level exam. It really pained me that I couldn't make it to the wedding. I made sure to see her immediately I got home. She looks weak and sick. She told me it was morning sickness and I was so happy that she was pregnant. I told her all that happened that semester and she was so happy to tell me about marriage and the wedding. She showed me pictures of the wedding and we talked for hours before I went home. I visited her once more before I left for school.

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We couldn't talk much on phone because she was hardly online. She was really sick and was admitted in the hospital several times. I usually dropped messages and she would reply whenever she can. The pregnancy was a tough one all through. She said she could hardly get any food down her throat.

The next time I traveled home, I couldn't reach her. I didn't know what else to do but I was really worried for her. I kept dropping messages for her and she replied and told me she was fine, that I shouldn't be worried, that she was going to give birth the next month and she would be free.

To cut the story short, she gave birth through CS because the doctors couldn't risk her life by allowing her to go through the stress of labour. Mind you, her mum died few days before she gave birth but they didn't tell her because of her health. Few days later, the baby was diagnosed of jaundice but he couldn't make it he died few days later. She got to hear about her mother as well.

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It was difficult for her to be strong at that point. Edosa explained all these to me when I got home. They said she wouldn't talk to anyone including her husband. She would keep staring blankly, and when she was tired of that she would cry herself to sleep.

When I got to her house, her sister was there. We knew each other so she just led me to her room. When I saw Uyi, I couldn't hold back my tears. She just lay in bed. When she saw me, she said "I suffer for nothing" in pidgin English. I couldn't say anything I just moved closer and hugged her tightly we cried together until she slept off.

I went back to check on her two days later but this time, she didn't even say a word to me or anyone. I was really worried. It took sometime But her family really stood by her They took good care of her and she got better. She is doing well now and she presently has two boys. She lives with her husband and kids in Canada.
Depression is real but we must not allow it live in us. When you see the signs, don't let it take over you. Don't give it life, get rid of it.

Thanks for stopping by, I really appreciate you.
This is my response to Hive learners community weekly featured contents on the topic;Depression Is Real

Yours truly @aunty-tosin💕💕