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Soreithing Ramror, B.A. 6th Semester, Pol Sci. Hons
In recent times, depression is one of the most common things one will find among almost all teens and youths. Relationship issues, family problems, peer pressure, bullying, tight schedule, criticism, lack of attention and love, money issues, loneliness, fear of failure and disappointment, etc. have been the cause or reason behind depression today. Irritability, anger, and agitation are often the most noticeable symptoms in depressed teens—not sadness.
Depression can be described as a health problem in which a person is suffering from psychologically and mentally. Depression can also be defined as a mental disorder which leads to loss of appetite, poor concentration, depressed mood, low self-esteem and loss of confidence, etc. Depression has been proven to always come with anxiety. In the present generation, the rate with regard to depression has increased rapidly and as a result of it, the rate of suicide has also seen an increase.
According to WHO, around 1 million people die every year because of suicide which means roughly around 3000 people commit suicide every day. Why do you think they committed suicide? Did they really want to die? The answer is actually a no. It's just that they want the pain to be taken away and to be free. Mental illness is much worse than physical pain I should say. It really takes a lot of effort to free and heal oneself from mental illness.
With the advancement in science and technology, almost everyone possesses a smartphone, Laptop, etc. of their own. And one can spend the whole day alone in his/her room using the gadgets and spend time in various activities, be it watching movies or playing online games. Most of us tend to spend most of our time with technology, resulting in failure of establishing relationships leading to loneliness which later results in depression . People are also stressed when they lose a game or when their smartphone battery is about to die. When there is shutting down of the internet, almost everyone panics and gets stressed and hence, there is a strong relationship between depression and loneliness.
I have come across a very cheerful person, who always cracks jokes and makes the people around him have the heartiest laugh. But behind his smile and jokes, one could notice the depression taking the wheel. A misconception that people have is, a cheerful and healthy person don’t suffer from stress and depression. But depression has nothing to do with good health, and age. Depression can be seen in all ages.
As the competition in this world increases, it has come down to the theory of survival of the fittest. The fear of failure, disappointment has also resulted to depression. With the increase in population, the rate of unemployment has also increased. The competition rate has increased rapidly. As a student studying in college, I have come across and seen many of my friends including myself suffering either from depression or at least stress be it mild or severe at least once or from time to time.
As a final year student, almost all of us have a concern and a question in our mind,“ What next after College?”. Most of us are concerned about what to do after college. Some of us want to follow our dream and go for professional courses be it in the field of management, make-up, etc. but fear to go against the wish of our parents who expects to let us go for further studies or take UPSC coaching etc. . Some of our parents have this mindset in which success means to become IAS or IPS officer, Doctor, engineer, etc. Some feel pressure and really pushed themselves to fulfill the wish of their parents and not disappoint them which leads to depression when faced failure or fail to fulfill their parents' expectations. Some want to go for professional courses or study their master but because of financial problems they have to start working to support oneself which leaves a scar in one's heart. But most importantly, the fact that one will have to start working and start earning for themselves is what makes one weary and stressful the most.
Each day is like fighting a battle for a person going through depression and stress. It takes lots of effort to open up about themselves to others. It also takes lots of effort to stand and be in front of the public. Usually, a depressed person prefers to stay alone, if he/she stands in front of the public, do appreciate it because it takes a lot of effort to overcome it.
A depressed person needs someone who understands them in time of sufferings. If you notice sudden changes in your friends behaviour, he/she may be going through depression. Pay more attention to him instead of avoiding him. Avoids saying it's okay, be positive, get over it, etc. because it will make them blame themselves for it and l ashamed of themselves.
Family plays an important role with regard to depression of a person, especially parents. It could be both ways- make the person more depressed or healing. A request to parents, when your child shares you his/her problems, try to understand the problems of your child and see how you can help him/her instead of constantly saying pray to God because sometimes understanding and support of one’s parents can make your child heal.
In the present scenario, depression has started eating up the lives of many people. The suicide rate as a result of depression has increased at a fast pace. We need to take immediate measures and educate the people on it. If not, we will see more people committing suicide. Depression is something which we need to take very seriously and not lightly. Depression is a very common case among the youths today. A depressed person really needs love, attention, support and care to deal with it from dear ones. A request to everyone, if you see your child, friends, or colleagues being depressed do help them in their process to overcome it.
Degree of Thought is a weekly community column initiated by Tetso College in partnership with The Morung Express. Degree of Thought will delve into the social, cultural, political and educational issues around us. The views expressed here do not reflect the opinion of the institution. Tetso College is a NAAC Accredited UGC recognised Commerce and Arts College. The editors are Dr Hewasa Lorin, Dr. Aniruddha Babar, Dr. Pfokrelo Kapesa, Webei Tsühah, Meren and Kvulo Lorin. For feedback or comments please email: dot@tetsocollege.org.
