The Uncle Who Only Said “Tension”

Uncle Sharma retired, lost two friends, sat facing a television he did not watch, ate less, and snapped at his wife. Relatives said he was getting old. His daughter booked a physician visit for sugar, thyroid, and sleep …

Uncle Sharma retired, lost two friends, sat facing a television he did not watch, ate less, and snapped at his wife. Relatives said he was getting old. His daughter booked a physician visit for sugar, thyroid, and sleep rather than arguing the English word depression. Labs were not dramatic. The physician named low mood as treatable. Uncle Sharma refused “psychology” and accepted “talking to the doctor about sleep.” Six weeks later he walked to the park. He never used the word depression. He used the word better. Use words the person can accept. If "depression" frightens them, talk about sleep or feeling better.