Education in India must discuss depression and mental health issues.
What is depression?
Depression is a common but serious mood disorder. Depression is a state of low mood and aversion to activity that can affect a person’s thoughts, behavior, feelings, and sense of well-being.
- Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood
- Feelings of hopelessness, or pessimism
- Irritability
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
- Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities
- Decreased energy or fatigue
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
- Difficulty sleeping, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping
- Appetite and/or weight changes
- Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts
- Aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems without a clear physical cause.
Statistics
- Depression and suicides resulting from it is the second leading cause of morbidity amongst 15 to 29 year olds globally.
- Every year, more than 8,00,000 people die having committed suicide.
Other issues
- Unrecognized depression leads to suicide or substance abuse. Depression is part of a psychiatric disorder.
- Social pressures are rising. Depression has become a taboo subject.
Suggestions
- We need to understand the complexities, their causes and where they lead us.
- Once we understand that, we will have acceptance and it will be easier to discuss about this.