"قبل از اینکه خودت را با افسردگی یا عزت نفس پایین تشخیص دهی، مطمئن شو که احاطه شده با احمق‌ها نیستی."

Sometimes, we feel down or question our self-worth, and it's easy to jump to conclusions about our mental health. But have you ever stopped to think that the people around you could be the problem? That’s the core idea here—before you start labeling yourself with depression or low self-esteem, look at who you're hanging out with. It’s possible that the company you keep is dragging you down.

This idea isn't new. It’s been floating around in various forms for a while. The reason it resonates so much is that it's a reminder to look at our surroundings and consider external influences on our mental and emotional well-being. Imagine you’re in a toxic work environment where no one ever appreciates your efforts or, worse, they constantly belittle you. It's only natural to start doubting yourself over time.

Take Jane, for example. She was a bright, enthusiastic marketing executive. She loved her job initially, but after a few years, she started feeling miserable. She thought she was developing depression. But when she took a step back, she realized it wasn’t just her. Her boss was overly critical, her colleagues were competitive in the worst way, and the whole environment was just toxic. She switched jobs, and what do you know? Her “depression” lifted. She wasn't depressed—she was just surrounded by fools.

So, how do you apply this wisdom in your life? Start by taking stock of your relationships. Are they uplifting or draining? Do the people around you support your growth, or do they pull you down? It's not always easy, but sometimes you need to make tough decisions about who deserves to be in your life. You might need to distance yourself from negative influences. It’s like decluttering your mind—getting rid of stuff that’s not serving you.

Picture this: You’re at a coffee shop with a friend. You’re talking about how you’ve been feeling lately—low, unmotivated, just not yourself. Your friend listens and then asks, “Have you considered that maybe it’s not you? Maybe it’s the people you’re around?” Imagine the lightbulb moment that follows. You start reflecting and realize that you’ve been spending most of your time with people who criticize more than they encourage, who compete instead of collaborate. Suddenly, it clicks. You’re not the problem.

Think about it like this: Your mind is a garden. If you plant beautiful flowers but surround them with weeds, they won’t thrive. But clear out the weeds, and those flowers will bloom. Your mental health works the same way. Surround yourself with positivity, encouragement, and love, and you’ll see a significant change in how you feel.

Remember, it's not about blaming others for how you feel. It’s about recognizing the impact that your environment has on your mental state. So, take a good look around. Sometimes, the first step to feeling better is simply changing your surroundings. And hey, it’s worth a try, right?