An ache that came to haunt Azka while she pursued her Masters grew, without warning, into deep, dark, and despairing depression. Beyond the struggle of recognising the ever-present inexplicable feeling of sadness and dread was in fact a mental illness that needed attention, there lay the back-breaking, frequently hopelessness-inducing journey of overcoming that very illness, and coming into one's own. Depression ruins lives worldwide, from disturbing every-day routine to taking life altogether, but we can mitigate its effect by spreading awareness about the illness, recognising it if we see it in ourselves or friends and family, and seeking help- to warm yourself by the fire as you wait for the storm to pass.
Azka's story was also featured here