Advertisement
Yama represents a caricature of depression and the coexisting cynicism that accompanies it—something that, in reality, is either absorbed or deflected, depending on the sensibilities and/or responsiveness of the individual. He's a bit of a dick, basically, but this is intentional. He's also resigned these folk to failure and that's where you step in.Each character begins by talking about their situations generally, before launching into the specifics. Breaks in the conversations are punctuated by your input, presented by three corresponding game show-like choices. Depending on which one you pick prompts a different response and there are what the game considers to be "wrong" answers. The onus, then, is to show that talking to someone, reaching out to someone—a friend, a family member, a stranger—if ever faced with a compromising contingency, helps.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
What might've been, eh? Or, rather, what might not have been. Had my uncle felt able to open up about how he was feeling, had he been able to share his problems, his struggles, his worries; had he been able to break his silence, talk about his mental well being against the incessantly stubborn tide of stigma and stiff-upper-lipped-ness Western society, particularly British society, particularly Scottish society, levies against us on a daily basis, he might be here today. With his family. With his wife. With his step-daughter who's expecting her first baby this year.Making the first move isn't easy. For years I wrestled with my own depression before eventually seeking professional help. I saw a therapist and I now take medication to govern my low moods. Most people know this about me now and treat me the exact same way as they did before. What's more, speaking out publicly about my feelings has encouraged some of my closest friends to approach me and tell me they too have been to counseling or that they're also on a course of antidepressants. This has surprised, inspired, and touched me.Beyond the stigma, the stereotypes and the tropes behind issues of mental health is a simple message: talking helps.
And of course it's not just about me. Far above and beyond myself and my circle of friends and family, is you. And you, and you, and your pals, and your families. Beyond the stigma, the stereotypes, and the tropes behind issues of mental health is a simple message: talking helps.Read on Motherboard: The Search for a Blood Test for Depression
Advertisement
UK Samaritans: 08457 909090