"Innocence Unveiled: The Prelude to a Mental Odyssey - From Depression to Suicide"

Many of the challenges we encounter with our mental well-being often start when we are kids. Different things contribute to how we feel now, like how we were raised, the society and culture around us, and the influence of friends, family, or neighbors.

I want to share a short story about a boy's life, starting from when he was a child until he grew old. I'll release the story in parts every week, talking about how certain things impact us when we're young and how they can affect us as teenagers and adults.

The story will delve into everyday mental health challenges, touching upon common issues like depression, anxiety, and even more serious struggles such as suicidal thoughts and attempts.

DISCLAIMER

The characters in this story are purely imaginary and of author's own imagination. Any resemblance to any actual persons either living or dead is purely coincidental.

Let's delve into the prologue of our story centred around a boy named Suresh. It's essential to note that while Suresh might not be the one experiencing any mental health condition discussed, but someone in this narrative might be.

Suresh, an excellent student, excels in his studies, supported by working, highly educated parents and two elder brothers and sisters whom he deeply loves. Despite his parents' disapproval, he indulges in video games during holidays, permitted only with their consent. His grandmother plays a pivotal role in his upbringing, and he's particularly close to her.

The story takes a turn when, in preschool, Suresh receives a low grade. Though it's preschool, his parents are concerned and reprimand him, setting off a determination in him to become the class topper. This determination, though, takes peculiar forms: studying last minute and focusing solely on the present, disregarding future consequences.

In 2nd grade, his brother Kumar leaves for a school trip, triggering anxiety and vivid, distressing thoughts in Suresh's mind about his brother's safety. He doesn't share these fears but anxiously anticipates a call from Kumar, relieved when he returns safely.

Moving to 3rd grade, Suresh befriends Kishore, bonding over video games. The introduction of a new gaming console raises challenges, prompting Suresh to break the rule of gaming only during holidays. With his eldest brother's support, they begin gaming every day when the parents are away, bringing immense joy to Suresh.

In 5th grade, a night of gaming during his parents' absence is interrupted when the parents return unexpectedly. The consequences of this rule-breaking act unfold, leaving questions about the fate of the gaming console, Suresh's ability to cope, and the repercussions for his brothers.

His parents walked into the room, discovering the three children engrossed in video games. In their eyes, video games were taboo, seen as potential sources of addiction that could jeopardize academic success. From their perspective, their concern was valid; no parent wishes their child's future to be compromised.

Seated with the children, the parents delivered a stern lecture on how video games could negatively impact their minds and lead them astray. Suresh and his brothers, realizing their mistake, apologized sincerely, promising never to repeat the act.

The following morning, Suresh found the TV and console wires disconnected, the console missing. Reflecting on the good times spent gaming, he left the room with a heavy heart. The trio faced the consequences, arriving late to school and enduring the punishments. To salvage their reputation, they pledged to study diligently and secure high grades in the upcoming exams.

This incident triggered reflections on the younger generation's priorities. Suresh pondered over the obsession with instant gratification, fueled by advanced technology and gaming consoles. The brothers, deprived of their console, searched for alternative ways to indulge in gaming.

An idea struck - a nearby video game parlour. However, funds were needed. Suresh, seizing an opportunity, diverted his coaching class fees for their new gaming venture. They happily played at the parlour, but a sudden halt occurred during one of these outings.

Suresh, drowning in worst-case scenarios and consequences, stopped abruptly, his mind haunted by intrusive thoughts. His brothers questioned his sudden pause, but he dismissed it, leaving them puzzled.

Back home, Suresh maintained a casual facade, hiding the truth from his parents. He fabricated a positive story about the coaching class to divert attention. His parents, relieved, hugged him, unaware of the turmoil within Suresh.

Entering the sixth grade, Suresh forged new friendships with Vikram and Arun, bonding over shared interests, especially video games and horror movies. However, his mental state took a toll, leading to sleep disturbances and a drop in academic performance.

Reaching the eighth rank in class, Suresh, burdened with thoughts of video games ruining his life, faced parental disappointment. His father's scolding session left him emotionally drained, and Suresh began believing he was fit for nothing.

Isolated and depressed, he struggled with self-worth, supported only by his understanding brothers and grandmother. Suresh attempted to study but found solace in entertainment, further fuelling his sense of failure.

As he approached the 10th grade, the stress escalated. The fear of failure and parental expectations weighed heavily on Suresh. A pivotal moment arrived - the day before the math exam. Overwhelmed with dread, Suresh contemplated extreme measures to escape the impending exam. The demonic voice returned, freezing him in fear.

His father arrived to find Suresh unconscious in a pool of blood, claiming demons attacked him. The truth remained elusive, leaving questions unanswered.

Suresh's father, Mr. Raghav, rushes in and discovers his son lying in a pool of blood. With tears in his eyes, he lifts Suresh and desperately asks, "What happened, Suresh?" Suresh, with a faint voice, replies, "Demons attacked me, Dad."

In shock, Mrs. Sandhya, Suresh's mother, is called, and his brothers are informed. They rush Suresh to the hospital, where the doctor examines and treats his injuries, suturing the wounds.

Concerned about the impending exams, Mr. Raghav, immediately after the treatment, anxiously asks the doctor if Suresh can still attend the exams. The doctor assures him that Suresh will recover soon and hands over some medicines.

Raghav, eager for an explanation, approaches Suresh. His elder brothers intervene, requesting to postpone the discussion until they are home. Raghav, frustrated, leaves the room, slamming the door. Outside, he encounters the doctor, who requests a private conversation.

In the doctor's chambers, Raghav is asked about Suresh's self-inflicted injuries. Raghav denies Suresh's claims of demonic attacks, attributing it to a ploy to skip exams. The doctor, revealing a video of a post-suturing conversation with Suresh, challenges Raghav's version.

In the video, Suresh admits to self-harm due to exam-related stress and fears his father's reaction. Raghav, shocked, dismisses it as lies. The doctor warns Raghav that the video could lead to legal consequences.

Attempting to justify his actions, Raghav claims Suresh is the "devil's son." The doctor reprimands him, emphasizing Suresh is his son. The doctor plays a vital role, urging Raghav to confront the reality of his parenting.

Raghav, emotional and teary, confesses to being strict with Suresh, driven by the desire for his son's success. The doctor questions Raghav's definition of the "proper path" and challenges his parenting approach.

The doctor emphasizes the importance of a father-son relationship, urging Raghav to reflect on the last time he hugged his son or spent quality time with him. Raghav dismisses it as unrealistic, focusing on guiding his son towards success.

The doctor, unrelenting, questions Raghav's priorities and the definition of a "proper path." Raghav's vision revolves around academic success, but the doctor stresses the need for Suresh to be alive for any future achievements.

As Raghav dismisses the doctor's advice, the door opens to reveal police officials. They inform Raghav of his arrest for the attempted murder of his son. Stunned, Raghav questions who called them, and the officials reveal it was Suresh.

The chapter concludes with a series of questions, leaving the audience in suspense about what truly happened and the state of Suresh's psychological well-being.

The answers will unfold in the next episode. Until then, farewell.