Thread That Binds Us

Chapter-22

Yo, update time!😎

So, as some of you've asked, here are some more tips for how to interact with someone with depression.💁

1. If you're willing to listen to them, have them talk to you, do so ONLY when you have plenty of time in your hands. For example, if you're on your way to work or some place and you start a conversation with them where you ask them to tell you something, then you tell them you gotta go and you two will catch up later, be certain, however sincere you are about your promise, the person will take it as a rejection. They will think that you don't particularly want to hear them out or just plain bored by them. Remember, feeling inadequate or like a burden is one of the biggest parts of depression.

2. While boosting them up, don't brag about how you have overcome your fears and burdens despite every obstacles. Instead, talk about your own vulnerability while facing those problems. Talk about how scared and helpless you felt. Give them something to relate to; then talk about how you overcame. Show them that they are just like you, nothing less.

3. Just because you're giving them time or listening to them, do not expect them to be your listening buddy as well. If you're the one reaching out, they don't owe you anything. Your kindness should be voluntary. Don't help so that you can have something back that will benefit you.

4. For fuck's sake, DO NOT start dumping your own problems and issues on them just because they are "well versed" in mental health issues. Speaking from personal experience. More often than not people think I'm there to counsel them because I've gone through shit.

5. If you're someone suffering from depression or anxiety disorder, please, refrain yourself from befriending someone with the same or similar issues to talk about these things. Both of your problems will trigger each other and you may relapse badly.

Lastly, guys, I understand that you want quick updates but do know that writers have just as shitty life as you do. If you read these notes you'll know that my life is a mess. Google sends me helpline numbers on a daily basis. Dishing out one chapter per week is all I can do at the moment. And I'm a very mediocre writer with limited talent.

Also, my most favourite character is back in this chapter!💃Guess who?😏

Share your thoughts. Votes are lil touches of love.💜

Off ya go!

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Chapter-22

YiBo wanted nothing more than to just go back, hole up in his bedroom and never come out. He did not want to go to the shoot, did not want to stand in front of the camera, did not want to face his life.

As the car sped up, taking him to the studio, dread filled YiBo's stomach. He was in no state of dealing with people, let alone doing a high profile advert shoot. But unfortunately, in his country's show business, termination of a work contract was regarded as one of the most unprofessional and insincere things to do under any circumstances, except for heavy physical injury. Desperate for a way out, YiBo had asked his assistant to try that option as well but it did not work as Xiu Ying informed, arranging a fake injury report at such a short notice would not be possible.

And losing this contract for his own fault would tarnish his reputation for a long time, if not forever. YiBo was still a young artist with fewer footholds than that of a veteran actor. On top of that, this brand was the main sponsor for his professional racing championship next month. If he lost the deal now, it would be damaging.

But his mind and body were just not in control anymore today.

As he sat limply in the backseat with a blank look, a few bikes zoomed by his car, camera shutters going off wildly at his tinted windows, trying to catch a glimpse of him. That reminded him that before facing the studio cameras he would also have to face the hoards of screaming fans, for however little while that might be.