KNOCK, KNOCK! HOW MAY I HELP YOU? (Say No to Depression)

When the whole world is gearing up to ward off and keep Coronavirus at bay, little do we know that there’s just another illness that’s lurking behind. It’s not something new to us, but it’s just that we are yet to come to terms with its existence. Depressive disorder is an illness that spares none and it shows no disparity between the rich and the poor. There are many countries around the world that fail to realize the need to create awareness on mental health. Most of the people are so much restrained to a set social norm that visiting a psychologist to check one’s mental health would be a big ‘NO’.

Technology and modernism has almost devoured our tradition and customs that kept us together and at present we are left with disintegration of our long preserved values. It is quite alarming to note the rate of suicides that occur across the globe every year, with regard to depression. And the revelation that young people are the most targeted ones is quite appalling.

The glitz and glamour of the pseudo society has surged in the minds of our youngsters with such intensity that it is deplorable to see young minds waned off their intellectual capacity. Exhibitionism has become the key word of the day and each one of us is in a pursuit to outsmart the others. In an attempt to do so, we end up building castles in the air. But when the reality hits hard, it becomes difficult for us to cope up and we end up contemplating suicide.

So what’s the Solution!

The panacea to this affliction lies within our hearts. We need to be empathetic towards every living being we are surrounded with. Families should readily tackle the issue and never ward it off as a subject of social stigma. For a while, let us do away with our smartphones, tabs, laptops or any electronic devices that demand our unwavering attention and instead spend some great time with our family and friends. Speak, Listen, Smile, Laugh, Dance, Sing, Cook, Play a musical instrument, Meditate… the list goes on. When we really care for one another, the list of activities that we can do together is endless. Make a congenial environment at home as well as at the work place and ensure that each one of us is approachable by our family, friends and colleagues. We should readily lend them our ear and a helping hand without even asking, as this small gesture can indeed go a long way. We must be wary of the fact that people who slip into depression are susceptible to even minor issues and the worst of all is when they decide to go incommunicado. Instead of leaving our near and dear ones who are battling depression to grapple with it all alone, we need to ensure that they are succoured and given full medical support.

On ethical grounds, it becomes imperative for each one of us to showcase exemplary attitude towards any depressed minds by helping them heal. The need of the hour is to stand united and create awareness on depressive disorder and to let the world know that they are not alone. At this juncture, with everything moving at a slow pace; from the economy to our social lives, the time is ripe for us to look straight into the eyes of the looming adversity with our beaming smile, and to promise to hold each other’s hand till eternity.