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Table of Contents
- running 113 Kilometers too Honor a Friend and Raise Awareness of Hidden Depression
- The Run: A Kilometer for Every Day Since Indi’s Passing
- A Friendship cut Short
- The Silent Struggle: Hidden Thoughts and Feelings
- From Grief to Action: A Zomergasten-Inspired Project
- Challenging the Stereotype: Beyond “Sadness”
- the Mask of Happiness: Indi’s Hidden Pain
- The Message: Look beyond the Smile
The Run: A Kilometer for Every Day Since Indi‘s Passing
Fourth-year student Gerrit is undertaking a 113-kilometer run to honor the memory of his friend, Indi, who died by suicide one year ago on October 29th. The distance represents the number of days since Indi’s death, and Gerrit aims to raise awareness about hidden depression and the importance of open interaction.
“Do you know what the crazy thing is? From Indi’s house to our training is exactly 113 kilometers,” says Gerrit. “113 kilometers is not nothing, but the message behind this is worth every kilometer.”
A Friendship cut Short
Gerrit and Indi where close friends throughout their studies. They spent significant time together during their first two years and completed an internship together in their third year.Despite their close relationship, Gerrit was unaware of the depth of Indi’s struggles.
“he was a good friend of mine. In the first two years we spent a lot of time together, and in the third we did an internship together,” Gerrit recalls.
Indi’s internal struggles remained hidden from those around him, despite interventions. Two fellow students and a teacher encouraged him to seek help from a psychologist, who provided support. However, Indi chose to conceal his true feelings.
“Two other students and a teacher eventually sent him to a psychologist who was very involved,but Indi made the choice to hide his thoughts and feelings from everyone,” Gerrit explains.This ultimately led to a tragic outcome.
From Grief to Action: A Zomergasten-Inspired Project
Gerrit felt compelled to act following Indi’s death. He didn’t want to simply raise funds but to foster greater awareness of depression, a topic frequently enough stigmatized and misunderstood. The idea stemmed from a minor film education course where he was tasked with creating a “Zomergasten”-style episode on a contemporary issue.
“I had to do something. I didn’t want to raise money, but to create more awareness among people. That was discussed during my minor film education, when I was instructed to make a kind of Zomergasten episode about a current theme. I chose depression, a subject that is often stereotyped, but is not at all.”
Challenging the Stereotype: Beyond “Sadness”
Gerrit points out the common,often inaccurate,portrayal of depression. He notes that depression isn’t always outwardly expressed as sadness, referencing the character of Sadness in Disney’s *Inside Out* as a simplistic portrayal of a complex condition.
“like in the Disney film Inside Out. You have Sadness that typifies that grief there. But many people who are depressed choose not to show that emotion.”
Indi, in particular, presented a cheerful facade to the world. He actively engaged in social activities, enjoyed parties, sports, and found joy in everyday moments. However, beneath the surface, he battled with depressive thoughts that he kept concealed.
“He was realy a typical student who enjoyed going out, parties, sports and laughing at the simplest things. But he has always chosen not to share his depressive thoughts, and show nothing.”
The Message: Look beyond the Smile
Gerrit’s run aims to highlight the importance of looking beyond outward appearances and recognizing that people may be struggling silently. He encourages others to ask genuine questions about well-being and to create a safe space for open communication.
“We must be aware of what is hidden in people behind the eternally stuffed smile. I notice that people find it challenging to see the sadness of others or to ask for it.That is why I say: ask how people are really doing. I also hope that people with depressive thoughts will find the power to talk to others about it thanks to this action.”
