Life went on and on as sleeping and crying were Maryam's major hobbies.Mama never took it serious as she thought maybe she needed space since Khalil told her what happened,more like showed her what happened.

Sometimes, she comes in to the room with the intention of talking to Maryam but sees her sleeping or she had zoned out. Now all she could do is pray for her.

Khalil on the other hand had been staying in a nearby hotel monitoring Maryam. Yes he setup a camera in her room.

That's Khalil.

He thought she would resume back to her normal self and tell him to come back but he thought wrong. khadijah,who came for the holiday,had returned to Kaduna last week.the night she was going, she slept in Maryam's room thinking Maryam will open herself to her but she had also thought wrong.

2months later.

This past 2 months had been disastrous for the Yusouf's family. Alhaji Yusouf got to know what happened when he came back from a business trip.He decided to ask Alhaji Mustapha why he got Sadiq betrothed to another woman when he knew of their approved relationship with their children. As he thought,Alhaji Mustapha will never give a rational reason instead he said that it was because he didn't think the children were serious about the relationship and he needed a grand child soon
.
Khalil came back after 4weeks of staying in the hotel when he saw that Maryam had made no changes of her sad life.

That day, every body got fed up with her and went to her room to give her a piece of their mind thinking that she would change the next day by coming for breakfast.

Khalil was 99% sure Maryam was not listening to them instead she had zoned out to what she thinks is her comfort zone.

She now confides in loneliness,she sees happiness in sadness, she feels contented with darkness,solace is her home, crying is what helps her, zoning out is her hobby, sleeping cuts the woes. with all this ,she feels as if she's on top of the world.

Maryam has become something else that even her own family members are scared to talk to her. She now looks like a zombie,her hair in every direction you could think off.

Baba decided to take her to the hospital because with each passing minute, Maryam tends to be scarier which intimidates people .

They were at Nisa premiere hospital located at Jabi. Mama and Baba went to pay the consultants fee located in the accounting section to see a Psychiatrist while Khalil and Maryam went to sit down in the waiting arena.

"Rie"he called out trice. She only looked at him with the 'say what you want to say' look.

He sighed then stood up when he saw his parents coming towards their direction. Maryam followed behind as Baba asked Khalil to check when is their turn from the receptionist.

"Actually you can go in sir,the doctor is alone" she replied curtly and khalil nodded Before leeaving.

They all headed to the doctor's office which was written'consultants room 1'at the top.

They all salam'ed silently because they didn't know if the Psychiatrist is a muslim. Luckily he replied to which they even shook hands with baaba. Khalil took a notice of his name 'Bala Aliyu'

“ What can I do for you" he said whilst smiling and took a minute scanning each of them until he reached Maryam who looked like a walking dead."I suppose she's the patient"they all nodded simultaneously.

"My daughter is going through something we don't know so we thought of bringing her to a Psychiatrist" mama spoke for the first time since they arrived.

The doctor looked at Maryam again who was lost in her thoughts.

"Well could you at least tell me what made her like that"? he asked a little bit flustered .
Khalil told him why and when it happened .

Doctor Bala strokes his chin then said
"With all he has said,your daughter Is suffering from depression.."he paused;waiting to see their reactions.

Baba had his cap removed and on the table while muttering some duas. Mama had her hands on top of her head saying incoherent words whilst Khalil had his face looking at the floor.

He then "Depression is a common and serious medical illness that negatively affects how you feel, the way you think and how you act. Fortunately, it is also treatable. Depression causes feelings of sadness and a loss of interest in activities once enjoyed. It can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems and can decrease a person's ability to function at work and at home”.

“Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much,Loss of energy or increased fatigue,slow movements and speech,Feeling worthless,Difficulty in thinking,concentrating or making decisions,Thoughts of death or suicide.All this I mentioned are what Khalil said to have been happening to her the past months and this Symptoms must last at least two weeks for a diagnosis of depression which it already has”.

“The death of a loved one, loss of a job or the ending of a relationship are difficult experiences for a person to endure. It is normal for feelings of sadness or grief to develop in response to such situations. Those experiencing loss often might describe themselves as being depressed" he paused again for them to fully understand what he's trying to say as he was tired of talking but he's a doctor he might as well get use to it.

"So now doctor,what of the treatment"one of them spoke with hoarse voice.pretty sure it was mama.

"Psychotherapy or talk therapy as it is called now is the best option I could give you.Psychotherapy may involve only the individual, but it can include others. For example, family or couples therapy can help address issues within these close relationships. Group therapy involves people with similar illnesses but I suggest she shouldn't be in groups because sometimes it might get a little confusing and the therapist might not even concentrate on one person”.

"How long does it take?" Khalil spoke.

“Depending on the severity of the depression, treatment can take a few weeks or much longer. In many cases, significant improvement can be made in 10 to 15 sessions.And like I said,Depression is among the most treatable of mental disorders. Between 80 percent and 90 percent of people with depression eventually respond well to treatment. Almost all patients gain some relief from their symptoms and I am hoping she will too” he prayed.

"Thank you doctor Bala but when does she start?" Baba said as he made a move to stand up indicating to the others that is time to leave.

"Next week, a new doctor is coming over by the weekend.he was sent here as the youngest doctor and his first assignment is Maryam!"he chirped excitedly.

"That's great!" they all said simultaneously
Alhaji Yusouf and his family thanked the doctor in appreciation.

They were about to leave when the doctor called out Maryam's name which made everyone to halt in their footsteps.

" Being sad is not the same as having depression. The grieving process is natural and unique to each individual and shares some of the same features of depression. Both grief and depression may involve intense sadness and withdrawal from usual activities. Put this in mind."he said all smiles.

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