Depression : A Silent Killer

Depression! This word is familiar among everyone or I'll preferably say among our young minds. It is no less than a termite and will surely end up eating our future but still, we are so conserved to talk about it, and the reason that people are not comfortable about it is that one needs to consult a "psychiatrist" and how is this going to be acceptable in INDIA. Aah! "Pagal thodi hai jo doctor ke paas jayenge" is something one will hear if he/she belongs to any of the Indian family.

"The first mantra (towards curing depression) is the expression of depression instead of its suppression" – Narendra Modi said in one of his "Mann ki baat". He urged people to openly discuss depression and other mental health issues.

But what is the actual reason for this illness and why is it prominent among students?

I think a long list of the issues can be made but according to me, Technology, Social Media and the education system play an important role in the contribution of such a scenario.

Ever since smartphones have made their entry, people have become more mechanical and insensitive. The ubiquitous photographs have been replaced by selfies and the social interactions lost their charm because of social media. Recently there was a phase where "Blue Whale" had an identity and everyone was aware of it. How such pieces of stuff can influence teenagers? They can because of the faulty psychological development of children.

Academic pressure and career compulsions have also led to the path of depression. How many times do we see students undergoing depression because of this academic stuff? Quite often right, and what is the result – SUICIDE. Our generation surely doesn't deserve this but we are blessed with this only.

" Kota boy committed suicide because he failed to crack IIT-JEE"; "CBSE girl slits her wrist because she scored a 70% in 12th boards"; "ABC college boy makes a suicidal video as he didn't score well in his semesters" and many more headline makes their way every day in our life. All of these deals with the same issue of pressure, depression and then the final step.

These problems are widespread among students in India. They are usually not able to speak up such issues and hence ends up finding solace in alcohol, cigarettes, and drugs. This stuff does give momentarily satisfaction and peace but the after-effects are very serious. Indulging in all this at such a young age affects the brain to a large extent as it is still in developing age.

According to the World Health Organization, it is the world's most widespread illness. Statistics from various health agencies and a 2016 CSDS-Lokniti survey among Indian youth (15-34 years) suggest that a serious step needs to be taken against this beast. The findings of the study also tell that this issue doesn't reside only in an urban area but they also have a place in a rural area. This is equally prevalent among urban and rural youngsters. This is indifferent based on gender as well.

Dealing with depression is a great task but one needs to do that to lead a happy and peaceful life. This can be tackled easily just with a little mix of maturity. Talking out in front of family, friends, and teachers might help in coping with the stress one is going through. Contacting a psychiatrist for counseling and not being shy about that fact might turn out to be a great initiative.

Other than that having a positive environment where fresh thoughts may prevail and the person is happy in spite of all the hurdles is something that India needs to have a flourishing future.