I'm Still Human: Understanding Depression With Kindness (Expanded Edition - 2021)

• Making statements like, "It will be better if I’m no longer
around," or “Soon, I’ll be gone…”
• Making preparations to die, e.g. making a will, indicating
preference for one’s funeral, giving away valuable
possessions.
• Tendency towards unnecessary risky behavior that could
lead to death, e.g. driving at high speed and without seat
belts.
• Sudden and unexpected switch from being very sad to very
calm or happy (relieved as decision has been made to die).
Suicide is preventable. Early recognition and treatment of
depression prevents suicide – you can make a difference.
How common is depression?
Depression affects about 10% of the Malaysian adults (1 in
10 persons). Depression affects people at all ages; it’s 2-3 times
more commonly reported in women than men. Despite being so
common, there is relatively little awareness of depression; as many
as two thirds of people with depression don’t realize that they have
depression. As for those who realize, there’s often delay in
appropriate treatment due to a social stigma on mental illness. So,
you are not alone – be kind to yourself and seek help immediately.
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