DEPRESSION NOT A SIGN OF WEAKNESS
OF late, we have been observing high incidences of depression among the young. It is more common than many think. Some people consider depression as trivial and not a genuine illness. It is a real illness with real symptoms and it will consume you slowly.
We always think that people have absolute control over how they feel.
Depression isn’t a sign of weakness. It is also not a problem that will just go away.
Uncertainty, fear of growing up, stress of studies or college life, competitive environment and things such as these may trigger depression. Plus, abuse in cyberspace contributes a great deal to depression or depressive disorders.
We live in a world of big data, but little focus and clarity. Our relationship with society is weak. We focus more on goals such as wealth, reputation or impression, probably because we want to be viewed positively, but we fail to realise that we are pushing people towards depression.
Depression is predicted to be one of the major health burdens of the coming years. Research re- ports indicate that more than 34 million people suffer from depression. But this is not the number we should worry about; we should worry about the millions of people who are not seeking medical treatment.
Depression can affect anyone, even a person who appears to live a fairly idyllic life. It doesn’t matter whether you are a celebrity, a student, a teacher or a housewife, depression knows no boundary. Depression should be taken seriously. It should be addressed and discussed in schools, colleges, universities, workplaces or even at home.
Stigma is still a significant barrier. Thus, we have to come to see the error in our way of thinking. It’s time for our society to dispel the old notion that a person just needs to buck up.
If there is one thing that we can do about depression, it is to talk and encourage the depressed to get help if we notice a change in one’s behaviour or emotions. Tell them that it is absolutely okay to talk openly about their feelings to someone.
Don’t make fun of people’s depression. We should try to understand the pain they are trying so hard not to show. Don’t assume that the problem will just diminish and don’t tell them to stop being dramatic.
Don’t let depression claim another victim.