Wilson Galvin was a young, intelligent, University of Queensland student who was politically active, and together with others, chose to ‘attack’ two transgender members of the Brisbane community who were reading to children as part of something called ‘Drag Queen Story Time’ on January 13. I don’t believe the protest was right. I don’t feel it mattered to the children or their carers, who were there enjoying the occasion. Listening to stories, amused by two individuals wearing glittering costumes, the children were having fun.
Following this event, many took to social media to deplore this ‘protest’ and, in doing so personally attacked Wilson Galvin in return. The following day, Wilson Galvin took his life.
What a sad, sad waste. I asked myself the question ‘why’. His family have stated that Mr Galvin was not troubled with depression, but that, I doubt.
I was 43 years of age when I experienced my first episode of ‘treatment-resistant, severe clinical depression’. ‘Multiple stressors’ were the provocateurs and I was aware that I was not functioning as the independent, intelligent woman I knew myself to be, so, I sought medical help. I took the medication prescribed, visited psychiatrists, but nothing helped. I couldn’t sleep, I couldn’t cry and one morning, I went into the bathroom and took all I had of the anti-depressant medication. I just wanted to sleep!
Depression isn’t something that just ‘creeps up in the night’. For many different reasons, it builds up and before you know it, you can’t function — no motivation to do the simplest of tasks, no energy, no nothing. It is a ‘thief’. It robs you of all you knew yourself to be. It does not discriminate. All the money, fame, or good health won’t make a difference.
From my own experience, I would ask (that unlike me, because I was too fiercely independent) those young people suffering to talk to their parents, their friends and family. Don’t be afraid to ask for help! With so much education and information available today, no one should be turned away when they ask for assistance. Regardless of whatever form of mental illness, whether it be depression, bipolar, schizophrenia … I feel it is an illness, and with support, it can be managed.
I am well aware that this illness could again strike me. It is my greatest fear. I’ve experienced cancer three times, and various other physical ailments, but I fear depression the most!
Education is the key to recognising symptoms in your family and friends and yourself. Take the time to research mental illness. Learn as much as you can.