World Health Day: Let's talk about depression

The first mistake that we make is not listening, we don't read between the lines, we turn a blind eye to the details. If only we listened, if only we said "let's talk", things would be so different.

Satish Kannan, the CEO and founder of DocsApp says that with the changing lifestyle, the run to get to the top of the ladder, the pressure to fit in, the fear of losing out and the dance with deadlines, we are losing ourselves. We end up feeling like lab rats at the end of the rat race; if we manage to survive till the end. The blues, anxiety, panic attacks, depression, burnout.

So many people deal with depression, but because of the taboo around it, they fail to seek help and decide to suffer in silence. The presumption that talking to a psychiatrist is only for people who are "mad" is slowly killing millions.

We choose to ignore the signs, because we live under the pretense that health is only "physical well being", matters of the mind always take a backseat. Awareness about depression and mental disorders is the need of the hour.

"In the March edition of 'Mann Ki Baat,' our Prime Minister has urged his fellow countrymen to break the taboo about depression. Even though there are more than 10 million cases of depression reported in India each year, many people still choose to ignore it, assuming that it will go away with time. There are not one, but multiple types of depression," Kannan explained.

According to the recent estimates of the WHO report, more than 300 million people, across the world, are living with depression. Anecdotal reports suggest that people refrain from discussing about mental health issues stating the prevalence of a taboo around mental health care; they wouldn't want to be caught dead visiting a psychiatrist.

They also do not feel comfortable talking to a specialist, in person, about their issues. The scenario is much worse in India.

While we keep ourselves busy with the monotony of our urban lives, a lot of souls amongst us are tossing coins, saying prayers, making wishes on falling stars and crossing their fingers; hoping and praying for a miracle.

On the occasion of World Health Day, let's break the taboo, spread the word and help someone in need; depression is curable, being aware is the first step in getting well.

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