If My Daughter Ever Became Depressed I’m a consultant psychiatrist. But today, I’m speaking as a father. And darling, if there ever comes a time in your life when you become depressed, this is what I want you to remember. I know this world can be cruel and unforgiving. There can be so much pressure on young girls — how you look, your body, your grades, your popularity, whether you fit in, whether people approve of you. And sometimes, sweetheart, it can all become too much. You might feel anxious. You might feel lonely. You might start blaming yourself. You might even feel hopeless. And if that happens, darling, it is not your fault. Maybe you don’t pass the exam the first time. Maybe you’re excluded from a friendship group. Maybe somebody rejects you. And yes, it hurts. That pain is real. I’m never going to tell you that it isn’t. But depression can play tricks on your mind. It can take one disappointment and whisper, “I’m a failure.” It can take one rejection and whisper, “Nobody wants me.” It can take one difficult chapter and convince you that this is how the whole story ends. Don’t believe it. You are not a failure. And one day, perhaps a boy will break your heart. You might look in the mirror and wonder whether you weren’t pretty enough, interesting enough, lovable enough. Darling, never measure your worth by somebody else’s inability to recognise it. And maybe you’ll make choices you regret. That’s okay too. Because sometimes we make mistakes — and sometimes those mistakes make us wiser. You never have to hide them from me. You never have to pretend you’re okay to protect me. You never have to suffer in silence because you’re frightened I’ll be disappointed in you. There is nothing you could tell me that would make me stop loving you. You can always come home. And if you’re struggling, we’ll face it together. We’ll talk. We’ll see your GP. And if you need a therapist or a psychiatrist, we’ll see one. There is no shame in needing help. And if depression tells you there is no hope, darling, remember: After hardship comes ease. Healing may take time. But until you can see the light again, your mum and I will help you look for it. And however old you become, wherever life takes you, you will always be my daughter. And I will always be your dad. You do not have to fight this alone. - @profahmedhankir