The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. Unfortunately, that’s not how health is perceived by most.
A psychological study shows that the average anxiety level of a teen now is the same as that of a patient in the mental asylum in the 1950s. Presently, our fluctuating levels of anxiety make it difficult to differentiate between persuasive sadness and depression. To deal with depression, we must first understand what the status of our mental health is.
Sadness is a normal state of mind, a common human emotion we’ve all experienced, and will always experience. It is triggered by events that are difficult, hurtful, challenging or disappointing. Sadness is associated with something. And when that something changes or fades away, our emotional mindset changes too.
Depression, however, is a mental illness that affects every action we take. Our thinking, perceptions, emotions, and behaviour are all clouded around a constant feeling of dejection and self-disapproval. We don’t feel sad about just some things, we’d feel sad about everything.
According to studies, depression isn’t something that only comes with trauma. Although strong events do push people to the brink, in many cases those who are “fine” are also victims of this illness. Worse, they would know it, yet claim to live a fine life. But it slowly begins to show. Behaviours start changing in persuasive and chronic ways, and if not dealt with, the urge to end their life takes over the willingness to live. But how do we deal with it before we even reach this stage?
According to Psychology Today, to diagnose depression, one must have at least five out of the following symptoms continuously for a duration of two weeks:
A depressed or irritable mood most of the time.
A loss or decrease of pleasure or interest in most activities, including ones that had been interesting or pleasurable previously.
Significant changes in weight or appetite.
Disturbances in falling asleep or sleeping too much.
Feeling slowed down in your movements or restless most days.
Feeling tired, sluggish, and having low energy most days.
Having feelings of worthless or excessive guilt most days.
Experiencing problems with thinking, focus, concentration, creativity, and the ability to make decisions on most days.
Having thoughts of dying or suicide.
Of course, the severity of these symptoms must be considered and a professional must be consulted before coming to a conclusion. However, it does not justify to ask a person who is depressed to just “snap out of it”, and be told that “it’s all in their head” and that “you can choose to be happy!” This is a deep misunderstanding that surrounds depression and depressed people. These sentences only make it worse for the victims.
It has also been discovered that people who belong to the lower strata of the socioeconomic ladder tend to suffer more than those who are placed higher on it. Inequality too has an effect on the mental state of those who are at the receiving end, proving social equality is a necessity to lead a healthy life.
Living in abusive environments or being at the receiving end of any behaviour that makes us question our values, importance, and our confidence are all depression-inducing. Basically, any negative environment has a strong hold on the emotional state of our minds, more than what we realise or even if we do, we wouldn’t acknowledge.
The good news is, as grave as the problem may be, depression is curable, and there’s always hope. Earlier the treatment starts, the better and more efficient the treatment becomes. However, we must understand that the process isn’t something that will be fixed overnight. It might take months and even years to get out of it, but it is possible, nevertheless, to win a battle against depression.
Not giving enough importance to mental health is like encouraging a slow poison to act on you, without even you realising when it engulfs you. The issue of depression must be addressed, and, like any other ailment, it is okay to seek professional help.
And for people who are surrounded by someone who deals with this disease, must know that these people must not be made to feel different, left out, or unheard. They must be accepted, loved and heard out. This World Mental Health Day, let us make sure we lend a supportive shoulder to a loved one and be that ray of hope during their darkest hours.
Source – BI
Railway Employee
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