Down

 

“Girl, you are the luckiest feminine species in the world. An exquisite combination of beauty and brains, and on this special occasion, I can only wish you the very best.”

It was Joan, my American roommate, during my freshman days in college.

“Annie, big, big congratulations! I am so happy for you, girlfriend. And honestly, Joan has said it all. You have everything going for you and if I wasn’t your best friend, I swear I’d be jealous of all you have achieved at such a young age. Sister, I am absolutely delighted for you and I wish you and Greg the very best married life has to offer” My childhood friend and bestie, Mena concluded the toast.

Depression: It’s Time To Pay Attention

A man decides to end his life by plunging into the lagoon on a glorious Sunday evening. He was a medical doctor. To the average observer, he appeared to be comfortable, or at least better off than most people. In different circumstances, but in clearly another act of suicide, a final year student of a University opts to take his own life by hanging himself in the hostel room he shared with two of his colleagues. They return after a night of reading to find him dangling from the ceiling. Both incidents have sent shock waves down the spine of many Nigerians. A country where the concept of committing suicide is still somewhat alien.