When a depressed person is feeling low, one of the most helpful, effective ways to alleviate the haunting feeling of depression is by talking to them. Whether or not a depressed person say it out loud, they really need someone who would listen to them.
Depression is a mental health disorder characterized by persistently depressed mood or loss of interest in activities, causing significant impairment in daily life.(source: Mayo Clinic)
Depression can strike anyone. Even the most famous people have admitted to suffer from depression, and, sadly, we have lost so many people because of it.
Unfortunately, not everyone suffering from depression has that ‘someone’ who would give them the time of day, lending an ear to hear what’s troubling them.
Just like this person who texted a pasta company customer service agent — the customer happened to be a depressed person and was in dire need of someone to talk to. But the agent named Sarah was not allowed to discuss anything non-work related with the customers:
Sarah already clarified to the client that she would not be able to talk about anything other than pasta. However, desperately looking for someone to talk to, the depressed person cleverly used metaphor to describe the situation:
Now, technically, Sarah is allowed to reply to the customer’s message — the question was about pasta, after all. And, Sarah did not let the client down; she replied:
Like a friend, Sarah imparted some words of encouragement to the customer. Still not confident, the client asked Sarah another question. Once again, the customer service agent obliged and basically told the client “Believe in yourself”. It seemed to work — the depressed customer appeared to be motivated by Sarah’s words:
Sarah ended the conversation reminding the customer they are ready to help anytime — just the assurance any depressed person wants to hear.
Since the conversation was posted online, it has received numerous positive reactions from different people:
Being kind to someone doesn’t cost a thing, even if it’s to someone you don’t personally know. Sarah could have just ignored the message from the depressed person as it wasn’t part of her job, but she replied — and not just any reply — she actually spent time to incorporate knowledge about her job to her inspiring answers.
(Please get in touch with the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline right away if you, or someone you care about needs help. They are available to help 24/7, just dial 1-800-273-8255 or go to their official website to chat with a counselor live).