People say, ‘sirf paagal hi psychiatrist pe jaate hai’. But, in the modern world this thinking seems to be changing. With the increasing pressures, stress and the day to day complications, we feel so trapped that after a certain point of time we tend to reach that saturation point where we need to talk our heart out. We need someone to listen to us without questioning or doubt or mistrust. Just plain simple listening and understanding.
Research from World Health Organization has found Indians to be the most depressed people in the world. One out of four women is depressed and one out of ten men are depressed. Now, the ratio of depressed women is quite high, but the entire issue is- why is it so?
There are many symptoms of depression which we undergo but we usually overlook it thinking that its normal. I’ll be ok within a day or two.
Today, I am writing this piece on depression because I feel that many of us are keeping their eyes shut towards some factors that can resolved.
The symptoms of depression include:
- Sadness of mood for most part of the day, nearly every day.
- Loss of interest in activities once found pleasurable.
- Significant weight loss (without dieting) or weight gain or decrease/ increase in appetite.
- Inability to sleep, sleeping more than usual, disturbed sleep or waking up early morning.
- Feeling of restlessness or being slow (slow walking, slow talking).
- Fatigue or loss of energy, feeling physically drained or exhausted.
- Feeling of worthlessness or guilt.
- Inability to concentrate or make decisions.
- Recurrent thoughts of death, suicidal thoughts or attempts.
- Anger or irritability.
- Unexplained aches and pains like headache, backaches, stomach pain.
There are also many reasons that cause depression in a person. They could be financial problems, family problems, work related stress, death of a very close person, physical disability, inferiority complex, partner or domestic violence, end of a relationship, emotional or sexual abuse and a few more. According to Dr. Ripan Sippy, famous Phycologist from B.L. Kapoor Hospital, mostly females suffer from depression due to marital problems, issues with in-laws, menopause, and infertility. Other situations are also responsible but these are some of the prime subjects.
Depression is a psychological disturbance which affects you to such an extent that it gradually starts eating you up from within. It is so common to hear it these days, that a woman committed suicide, or a couple got divorced or a person always stays gloomy. All this is because we are in a stressed state of mind and either we don’t have anybody to share it with or we don’t feel comfortable to share it with anybody. The first thing that comes to mind is, ‘he/she won’t understand’. The most frequent thought that comes mostly to everyone is, ‘my life is ruined, I’ll have to live with it this way’.
Sometimes, two people are talking on the same lines, yet they fail to comprehend each other’s words. Both are correct from their own perspective, so they do not connect or empathize with the other person. This friction grows to such a level that it frustrates them from within without even realizing it.
Depression is not a disease! Its just a low state of mind. We are the only ones who can control ourselves. We know best who we are and if at any point of time you are stuck where negativity overshadows you, go talk to someone whom you trust. It is not a big deal. There must be at least one person on earth in front of whom you can cry, whom you can rely upon, who can listen to you without questioning!!! If not, go meet a professional. Your secrets will be safe, u’ll seek some help to come out of the pit. In modern times, the outlook of people is changing at a fast pace. Consulting someone is not a major issue, its just a stress reliever. Don’t wait for that moment where you find yourself in a ‘give up’ situation.
Your thoughts, your views, your physical appearance, Its all yours! Don’t waste it on something which is not worthwhile. When in trouble, try to smile once and you will notice a hundred smiles coming back to you!
Life is too beautiful to give up so easily…. Treat it as yours and it shall embrace you!!
Photo by Anthony Tran on Unsplash
