Most people feel sad or depressed at times. It’s a normal reaction to loss or life’s struggles. But when intense sadness including feeling helpless, hopeless, and worthless — lasts for many days to weeks and keeps you from living your life, it may be something more than sadness. You could have clinical depression: a treatable medical condition. It’s a common and less talked mental health problem is “DEPRESSION”. We don’t talk about this as we talk about other diseases, but you will be shocked to know that 300 million people worldwide are suffering from depression.
Depression is different from the fluctuations in mood that people experience as a part of normal life. Temporary emotional responses to the challenges of everyday life do not constitute depression. According to the world health organization, followed by China and USA, Indian women’s experiences were embedded in their social world. Depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide and is a major contributor to the overall global burden of disease.
You may feel too exhausted to talk, ashamed at your situation and feel sad even when you are surrounded by your loved ones. It’s never too late to build new friendships and improve your support network and reach out to people who will listen attentively without judging you and who make you feel safe and cared for. It has been seen people are coming openly with their mental health problems in front of the society without thinking of any rejections.
Taking the first step is always the hardest, but if you go for it you will soon leave behind the heavy fog of depression and find yourself feeling happier,healthier and more hopeful again. There are many foundations and non profit organizations established to help people overcome their depression and live their life more happily. Pick up a former hobby you used to like, express yourself creatively through music, art or writing. So many organizations are working on it and it has succeeded to reduce the stigma, spread awareness and change the way we look at mental health.
If you know someone who’s going through mental health problem help them, talk to them and let them know you are always there for them. Advise them to start with a consultation with a doctor or mental health specialist. It is important to seek the help of a health professional to rule out different causes of depression, ensure an accurate differential diagnosis, and secure safe and effective treatment.
By –
Anushka Dhaka