Depression - A Silent Killer

Even in today's world, openly talking about depression isn't very well received, at least not in India. Our society still immensely remains reluctant as far as discussing issues related to mental health are concerned. There is a huge stigma that surrounds these issues. And as a result, individuals silently suffer which can have a severe impact on their social and psychological well being. Even in today's India, it is estimated that about 1 in 5 people need counseling, either psychological or psychiatric. As per the reports of WHO, India is the 6th most depressed country in the world. The number of mental health professionals as estimated in India is itself depressing which goes as low as 1 in 100,000 people. Such a shortage of mental health experts in the country and the associated taboo with this issue has done nothing but aggravated the already worsened mental well being of those who are silently suffering from this deliberately over-looked condition. People suffering from depression are more prone to social and economic inequality. They are also at a higher risk of not functioning properly in day to day activities.

How the body is affected by depression

• A high rate of occurrence of bodily pain.

• Constant feeling of tiredness, restlessness, and fatigue.

• Decreased appetite.

• Lack of proper sleep or over-sleeping.

• Increased risk of physical illness.

• Suicidal tendencies.

A few statistics as per the report of world economic forum

• 68% of people think that those suffering from mental illness should not be given any responsibility.

• 46% of people feel scared to go near a person suffering from depression.

• 44% of people think that people with mental illness are always violent.

• 41% of people think talking to a depressed person may make a healthy person depressed.

The above statistics clearly show that we as people aren't very well aware and do not have a proper understanding of this issue. The need of the hour is the inclusion of people suffering from mental illness in the general society and to have an open discussion on this topic with the general population. It's not just the experts' but the responsibility of every individual of the society to ensure the well being of each other.

We need to sensitize this issue and spread awareness about the issue so that no one has to suffer in silence. At the same time, it is also required that people show accepting behavior towards the people suffering from depression or any mental health issue.