- Syeda Nameera Hasan
WHEN WORDS FAIL, FIND HOPE TOGETHER
Syeda Nameera Hasan
Sometimes, life throws you miserable days. All you want to do is crawl into bed, staring at the ceiling, watching the world fade away. You may find yourself in tears, tracing their path through your eyes, stroking your cheeks, and making their final destination on your pillow.
Your pillow is drenched, your eyes red and puffed up, but still, the tears stream freely. These are days that steal the sunshine from your soul when everything seems muted by an invisible pain. It feels like a heavy weight on your chest, a horrible abyss from which you can never rise. You search for words to express this deafening weight, but your voice is lost in the mental storm. The harder you try to fight the tears, the tighter they cling to you, engulfing you completely.
You can’t even understand what’s happening; you feel utterly helpless. The harder you attempt to control it, the worse it gets. Even for a single day, it’s excessive, and it rarely lasts for just one day. Your feet are unsteady, your hands shaky, with a constant pounding in your head caused by sleep deprivation. Food loses its charm, and the once exciting world around you become an empty, hopeless place. There’s no joy in anything, and the things you used to enjoy are no longer interesting.
You have probably witnessed a loved one appear distant or depressed. Perhaps they are unable to put on a full smile lately. If you have recognized these signs, don’t hesitate to offer your help, as you may have hoped for during your own difficult times. Words can’t always convey the complexity inside the head. It is impossible to fully express the fade depth of the pain one experiences. This is the time when all they want is for someone to come hug them and pat their back, making them feel comfortable enough to cry and let out their frustration. At this time, a hug feels like the whole world is wrapped around saying,
“I’m here for you. You are not alone.”
Unfortunately, hugs are not given enough credit. Giving and receiving hugs not only improves mental health but also boosts productivity levels. It decreases stress levels significantly. According to Virginia Satir, a world-renowned family therapist:
“We need 4 hugs a day for survival. We need 8 hugs a day for maintenance. We need 12 hugs a day for growth.”
Hugs “feed” our emotions, remind us that we’re not alone, and increase our sense of trust in people. Have you ever noticed that a tight hug helps you feel at ease to a great extent? Hugs remind us that we are not alone and that we can overcome any obstacle if we act together. So feel free to give hugs and open up to receive tons of hugs in return, because who doesn’t need a tight “jadu ki jhappi” (Munna Bhai theory)!
Don’t be hesitant to be an umbrella in someone’s storm. Be like fireflies who guide in the darkest nights. Be the teddy bear fade that waits with a hug and comfort. Be the cozy blanket that wraps in warmth and protection.
Look around you, and if you encounter someone going through a tough time and unable to open up, give time and prioritize their presence. Even if they don’t find words to speak, don’t give up on them easily. Pay attention, offer your shoulder to lean on. These small gestures can leave a lasting effect on the soul. Like it’s said:
“memories don’t disappear, they are smeared into your soul.”
Remember, even if it doesn’t seem like it, there are people who don’t wanna live because it’s so nice out. Go and tell them:
“Thank you… for being alive. The ones by your side will thank you for that. So… stay alive today. Because it’s nice outside. It may rain tomorrow, then… wait until the rain stops and stay alive. Then, someday… a day might come when living doesn’t feel so bad.”
– Sun Jae (Lovely Runner)
Please, let someone know how important they are. It’s not a sin to make someone feel worthy, is it fade? Trust me, it only takes a small amount of your time, which you might spend on listening to some podcasts. Rather, listen to someone who truly needs it.
“You are a gift from the heaven
When you’re all alone in this world,
I’ll protect you
You have fallen to me ,
Like a sudden shower…
And I call you again today,
You are precious to me”
-Sonaki (ECLIPSE)
(P.S.I just hugged my Mom, since I needed one right now.)
