DEPRESSION

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

You must have heard the word ‘depression’ zillion times. But how much do you know about this issue? To understand depression, its symptoms and other aspects, here is a lowdown on the mental health problem that affects million across the world, including young children and teenagers. We all have experienced low phases when we have felt sad. But sadness goes away in couple of days. Depression is a form of an illness in which a person feels sad, disinterested and de-motivated longer than two weeks or more.

According to World Health Organization (WHO), depression is a kind of mood disorder which is characterized by ‘persistent sadness and a loss of interest in activities that you normally enjoy, accompanied by inability to carry out daily tasks and activities, for at least two weeks.

HOW CAN I KNOW IF ANY OF MY FRIENDS ARE DEPRESSED?

You will see that your friend:           

·       Looks very sad

·       He/she is not interested in watching TV or doing things which he enjoyed before

·       He/she will be at times found crying

·       The person might withdraw and may not be interested in socializing

·       At times, he/she may express death wishes

·       He/she may feel tired all the time despite little or no physical activity

IS DEPRESSION TREATABLE?

Yes, depression is treatable. If the affected person is brought to a mental health professional at the earliest, he/she will be treated with counseling or medication, if needed. Not all cases require medication- some can be managed with healthy changes in life style and regular counseling.

HOW CAN I HELP MY DEPRESSED FRIEND?

·       Be kind and supportive to your classmate/friend

·       Encourage him/her gently to take part in various extra-curricular activities in school

·       Help him/her to follow up with a doctor or counselor

·       Help him/her find solutions to his/her problems

·       Try to be non-judgmental and listen to the person to make him feel supported and cared for

·       Don’t alienate the person in parties, events, get-together

·       Get support from an elder who can be around your friend