Hindustan Times (Patna) - Hindustan Times (Patna) - Live
Depression of failure in love
When you part ways with a loved one, it can lead to sadness, anxiety or even depression. Experts tell how to deal with it
Depression can be caused by a number of factors affecting your life, but unstable relationships may play a part in accelerating the onset of the disease. A recent study conducted by the students of Nirmala Niketan College of Home Science, found that as many as 23.3% of teenagers and 26.6% of adults think breakups and unhappy relationships are the main reasons for depression.
AFFECTING LIVES
Breakups and unhappy relationships do hurt people, but how do you tell if you’re just sad or if you’re truly depressed? A medical professional is best equipped to diagnose depression, but clinical psychologist Tanushree Bhargava lists a few warning signs that you can look out for. “Persistent bad moods, reduced energy levels, lack of motivation and concentration, changes in appetite, negative thoughts about the future, and lower interest in activities could indicate depression,” she says.
But how does one go about dealing with depression caused by rifts in a relationship? Bhargava says, “To deal with depression associated with breakups and unhappy relationships, you need to first analyse the cause of unhappiness in the relationship and how it is affecting your personal and professional life. Then, you need talk to your partner about the situation, and decide if you wish to work on the issues. You may then need to introspect about your next move.”
FAMILY FIRST
It’s also important for the family of people suffering from depression to look out for signs and help them. According to mental health counsellor Kavita Mungi, parents should look for “uncharacteristic behaviour” among their children. The expert feels it is important that one keeps the lines of communication open. She says, “As a parent, one should be aware of social media platforms and keep a track on their teenage children’s activities. Connect with the affected person by including them in activities such as yoga, gym, sports or the like. Keep the lines of communication open and make sure you don’t treat the subject as taboo.”