K-pop sickfics/hurtfics

Dk seventeen - depression/hypotension

I've just discovered that hypotension can sometimes be caused by antidepressants. Did you know ?
Anyway this story is about this. Hope you like it.
700 words.

Who would have thought that with his bright personality, Dokyeom had a very dark side that was consuming him day by day? To the world, he was the ever-smiling, bright energy of the group. But behind that infectious grin lay a weight he could no longer carry alone.

For months, Dokyeom kept his struggles with depression to himself. He felt trapped in a cycle of sadness, guilt, and hopelessness that no amount of performing or laughter could break. His nights were restless, haunted by racing thoughts, and his days were a blur of exhaustion and apathy. The joy he once found in music and performing had faded, replaced by an overwhelming numbness.

At first, he managed to hide it, attributing his sluggishness to a busy schedule. But over time, the signs became harder to ignore. His once hearty appetite dwindled to almost nothing, and he started losing weight. He withdrew from the members, preferring solitude to their lively company, and his voice — usually so rich with emotion — sounded hollow during rehearsals.

It wasn't until he broke down one night in the practice room, unable to contain the weight of his emotions, that the members truly understood the depth of his struggle. Hoshi found him, crumpled on the floor, tears streaming down his face. Without hesitation, he called the others, and together, they rallied around Dokyeom, urging him to seek help.

Reluctantly, Dokyeom agreed. The visit to the doctor was overwhelming but necessary. The diagnosis was clear: depressive disorder. The doctor explained the condition, reassuring him that he wasn't alone and that with the right treatment, he could get better. Dokyeom was prescribed antidepressants, and though he was hesitant at first, he trusted the doctor's advice and the unwavering support of his friends.

In the weeks that followed, the change in Dokyeom was remarkable. The fog that had clouded his mind began to lift, and for the first time in months, he felt a glimmer of hope. His sleep improved, and with it, his energy levels. He began to enjoy the little things again —meals with the members, spontaneous jokes, and even the grueling dance practices. His laughter, once forced, now came naturally, filling the dorm with warmth.

The members noticed the shift immediately. "It's so good to see you smiling again," Jeonghan said one day, squeezing Dokyeom's shoulder. The others nodded in agreement, relieved to see their friend coming back to life.

For several months, things seemed to be on the up. Dokyeom's mood continued to improve, and he embraced life with a renewed vigor. He was excited to perform, to create, and to be with his members, who had stood by him through his darkest times.

But then, slowly, new symptoms began to surface. It started subtly — just a bit of dizziness when standing up too quickly. At first, Dokyeom brushed it off, thinking it was due to dehydration or fatigue. But as the weeks went by, the dizziness became more frequent, accompanied by moments of lightheadedness and even blurred vision during rehearsals.

One afternoon, while practicing a particularly intense routine, Dokyeom felt his legs buckle beneath him. He stumbled, catching himself on the mirror, but the members were already rushing to his side.

"Are you sure you're okay?" Seungcheol asked, his brow furrowed with concern.

"I'm fine," Dokyeom insisted, though his pale complexion and unsteady stance said otherwise. "I just need to sit down for a bit."

But the episodes didn't stop. Over the next few weeks, they became more frequent, worrying everyone. Dokyeom's bright mood was still there, but the physical toll was undeniable. It wasn't until he nearly fainted during a live performance that they knew it was time to see the doctor again.

The doctor's explanation brought a mixture of relief and concern. "Your antidepressants are working well for your mood, but they've led to hypotension — low blood pressure. It's a side effect, but we'll need to adjust your treatment to balance things out."

The news was bittersweet. While the medication had helped Dokyeom reclaim his mental health, it had introduced a new challenge. Yet, with the support of his doctor and the unwavering care of his members, Dokyeom knew they would find a way to manage this, just like they had faced everything else : together.

Thanks for reading. If you have a story in mind don't hesitate. I take requests.