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'Letter 2 — Writing Through Depression

Dear teachers,

I was lucky to teach classes on Saturday and Sunday, from 10.00 to 11.30. There was no specific lesson content on that day. I had to improvise.

It was a challenge but I tried to change my perspective, believing it to be something like a blessing as I had a chance to fully execute my autonomy.

It was yesterday, as I was thinking about the lesson I could teach students, something they could use to apply in their lives, I came up with an idea.

What about giving them a real-life scenario where they could learn problem-solving? So, the topic went like this:

'Depression is a global pandemic, and it hits teenagers harder than any other segment of the population.

Your best friend, Mary, is suffering from depression.

The conversation you are about to have with her will be a turning point, something that either helps her or plunges her deeper into the pit of depression.

Remember, your conversation has the power to change lives!

Write about 3 tips that you can do to help her battle depression.

Use ChatGPT for ideas, vocab, but do your own work.

After that, sit with me, and we will talk about how you feel after the writing part. Write about 250 words or more.

I ended up reading really moving stories!

I sincerely hope this story helps teachers.

When I was in grade 9 and about to take a major exam to go to high school,

I had a close friend who was an active person.

But at that time, I remember he was very quiet and always looked tired.

At that moment, I did not know he had depression,

I just thought he may have been scared of the exam.

But later he told me and I felt so upset for not having realized it earlier.

I wanted him to know that during that stressful time, he did not have to face it alone. When I was preparing for the same exam, I also felt like my heart felt really heavy. What helped me was talking to a friend every evening after studying even for five minutes and it lifted my mood.

I hope he could do the same with me because I was always ready to listen.

Also, I wished for him not to forget small joys in life.

During exam seasons I used to take a short walk after dinner or just listened to my favorite song before sleeping.

It did not make the exam easier but it gave me a small happy feeling to continue studying. Finally, I think he should share his feelings openly,

I know in our school many students are afraid to say “I am not okay” because they think it is weak but it is not.

I also once told my older sister about my fear of failing and she helped me see things more clearly.

Talking will not remove the exam but I believe it will help him feel lighter, and eventually he could put down the ‘rock’ that had been weighing him down for so long and fight harder.

From my heart, I really want him to understand that seeking help is a sign of strength, not

a weakness

and most importantly, believe in yourself!

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