PREVALENCE OF DEPRESSION AND WAYS TO COPE WITH IT.

Mental Health is an important part of overall health and well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It may also affect how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices during an emergency.
In our society, it can be seen that there is a negligence to mental health as World Health Organisation (WHO) Suicide rate Report says that India recorded the most number of deaths by suicide in the world with 220,481 deaths in 2018. The main reason being Mental Health Disorder under which major reason is DEPRESSION. 

WHAT IS DEPRESSION?

• Depression ( major depressive disorder or clinical depression is a common but serious mood disorder.

             

• It causes symptoms that affects how you feel , think and handle daily activities such as sleeping , eating or working.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

• Persistent sad, anxious or empty mood.
• Feeling of hopelessness or pessimism.
• Irritability.
• Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies, and activities.
• Decreased energy.
• Appetite and/or weight changes.
• Digestive problems without a clear, physical cause that do not ease with treatment.
• Feeling restless.
• Difficulty in concentrating and remembering.
• Difficulty sleeping or oversleeping.
• Thought of death or suicide or suicide attempts.

CAUSES OF DEPRESSION FOR A STUDENT.

• Aspirants for various competitive exams face challenges , pressures and anxiety that can cause them to feel overwhelmed.
• Final year students feel anxious thinking about their grades, job placements and career opportunities.
• Time spend on activities such as social media.
• Money and intimate relationships also serve as major source of stress.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU EXPERIENCE SUCH SYMPTOMS?

1.  Talk to family, friends and share your problems.
2. If you are not comfortable sharing with your closed ones , consult a Psychiatrist.
3. If there is no Psychiatrist around you, approach Helplines that is concerned with Mental Health Disorder and its prevention. The person on the other side can guide you how to cope with the problem whether  you must consult a Doctor or not.

Following are some Helpline Numbers providing assistance across the country -

1. NIMHANS ( NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF MENTAL HEALTH AND NEUROSCIENCES )- 08046110007
2. AASRA - 09820466726.
3. Vandravela Foundation - 1860 - 266- 2345.
4. Saath - 07926305544.
5. Sahai - 080 - 25497777.

TREATMENT 

 

It may include -

• Medicines such as antidepressants.
• A type of therapy called Psychotherapy or Talk Therapy that involves a talking relationship between the therapist and the patient.

CORONAVIRUS AND DEPRESSION.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic may be stressful for people. Fear and anxiety about a new disease and what could happen can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions in adults and children. Public health actions, such as social distancing, can make people feel isolated and lonely and can increase stress and anxiety. The outbreak of the new coronavirus has affected many areas of daily life including mental health. With the sudden disruption of our routines and the new norm of social distancing , life as we knew has dramatically transformed in a matter of weeks. We are facing the stress of the news, its impact on our career, finances and livelihood altogether putting us at risk for depression during the coronavirus outbreak.

HOW TO AVOID DEPRESSION AMIDST THE PANDEMIC?

We are lucky to have internet, social media , Television and other entertainment sources in today's date. There was a time where the lock - downs were imposed and that too frequently. However during that time, people did not have any access to social media or the internet hence it was difficult for the people to overcome loneliness.

After the outbreak of COVID - 19 , it is important  for all of us who are at homes to take this time as an opportunity. This is the time to know oneself , devote time for our hobbies and do something creative. We can take up some activities which we weren't able to do earlier due to lack of time.  These can be reading a book, painting or learning a course. Nowadays there are many platforms on the internet like edX, Coursera, Google offering free courses and certificates from a variety of streams.

It is true that during this time, the primary sources to get information is social media and news in TV, But it is advised not to get oneself engrossed to news from all the states in the country and around the globe because it can make our mind stressed out , as there are negative news with the positive.

There are various exams which has been postponed due to lock - down but all these exams will be held in a rapid manner once the situation stabilizes. So for students, this time is very crucial for preparation. 

We can utilize this time to enhance our-self, to develop our personality and improve our lifestyle.

 As a student , one should be focused on the goal, devote time for preparations. Successful people have converted their loneliness into isolation. the difference between loneliness and isolation is that loneliness is a mental state that troubles a person, when he or she wants to talk to people but they are unable to do so, whereas isolation can give peace and happiness because it is a choice and helps us to discover our talent and passion.

This could be an opportunity to think about what you value or really want to do with your life. If you look at this period as intentional practice of not going out to restaurants and bars, you may realize you can thrive without those routines.