Living with Depression in India
Depression statistics in India show that this mental health condition is alarmingly common. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 7.5% of Indians suffer from depression.
This figure may sound small, but when we consider the size of India’s population (approximately 1.3 billion), it means that more than 98 million people in India are living with depression. If you are one of those people, it can be a difficult experience.
Sometimes, those around you may not understand what you are going through. You may want to tell them about your feelings, but you might not know how to express them.
It can be isolating and stressful when people around you don’t understand or don’t know how to help. You are not alone.
Clinical depression is not something to be ashamed of. In fact, millions of people worldwide live with depression every day.
Bollywood superstar Deepika Padukone is one of the people who has come out with her story of depression. She has shared her experience to help raise awareness and break the stigma surrounding mental health issues.
The sooner you recognize the signs of depression, the better chance you have of receiving the right diagnosis and treatment. The symptoms can vary, but some common ones include:
- Feeling sad or “down” for extended periods of time
- Losing interest in activities you once enjoyed
- Feeling hopeless or worthless
- Changes in appetite or weight
- Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much
- Fatigue or low energy
- Trouble concentrating or making decisions
- Thoughts of suicide or self-harm
But what happens if you have depression and don’t seek help?
Unfortunately, this is an all too familiar scenario. Many people in India, especially in rural areas, are unaware of diagnosis and available treatments for depression.
Lack of awareness can result in untreated depression and exacerbate the condition’s impact and increase the risk of suicidal thoughts. Moreover, living with depression can lead to bullying, even within households.
For instance, verbal and mental abuse within families can exacerbate depression and other mental health conditions, leaving people feeling trapped and helpless. It can be challenging, but it’s important to remember that you have options for seeking help.
It can also be challenging to confront a family member or close friend who might be struggling with depression. It’s essential to do it sensitively and with empathy.
Relationship Between Anxiety and Depression
Some people think that anxiety and depression are two separate conditions. Though it’s true that they are different, they are also very interconnected.
In fact, anxiety and depression often coexist. Anxiety is clinically known as a feeling of intense fear or apprehension about what might happen in the future.
People with anxiety often worry excessively about things that others would dismiss as minor concerns. They might feel nervous in social situations, experience panic attacks, and have trouble relaxing.
Depression, on the other hand, is a feeling of intense sadness or hopelessness. People with depression may lose interest in things they once enjoyed, have difficulty sleeping, and experience fatigue.
Sometimes, depression can be so severe that it even leads to thoughts of self-harm or suicide. Scientists believe that the connection between anxiety and depression is partly due to shared hormonal and chemical imbalances in the brain.
Some of the similar symptoms of both conditions, such as restlessness, muscle tension, and difficulty concentrating, also suggest that they share common biological characteristics. It is essential to seek help if you suspect that you or someone you know may be suffering from depression or anxiety.
Suppose you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, which is relatively common in people with depression. In that case, it’s critical to speak to someone who can help.
Speak with a mental health professional, who can help in identifying the symptoms and work out a plan for improving your mental health. In conclusion, seeking help for depression and anxiety is crucial, and it’s okay to ask for it.
Mental health is just as important as physical health, and taking care of your mind can be the first step towards overall wellness. Remember that you are not alone, and there are always people and resources that can help you through difficult times.
With the right diagnosis and treatment, you can overcome depression and anxiety and live a happy and fulfilling life.
Personal Experience with Depression
1. Growing Up with Self-Esteem Issues
Living with depression can be a challenging experience, especially for those who have struggled with self-esteem issues and bullying. Growing up, I had always dealt with feelings of self-loathing and never felt confident in who I was as a person.
These feelings greatly impacted my mental health and led to struggles with depression.
2. The Impact of Relationships
The impact of relationships on mental health cannot be overstated. My high-profile relationship with a popular artist was both a blessing and a curse. While I welcomed the attention and support of my partner, the constant scrutiny and pressure from the public and media perpetuated feelings of self-doubt and anxiety.
When the relationship ended, I found myself dealing with the aftermath of heartbreak and depression. Over time, I began to experiment with different types of love, including flings, polyamory, and pansexuality.
Although these experiences allowed me to understand and embrace my identity, they also brought about similar issues with emotional instability and mental health struggles.
3. Coping with Depression on a Daily Basis
Coping with depression is an ongoing process. Daily struggles, such as getting out of bed in the morning, can feel insurmountable at times. The lack of emotional support from those around me only exacerbated the situation.
However, I found that taking small steps towards finding happiness, such as cherishing happy memories and indulging in things that make me happy, helped alleviate some of the negative emotions.
Struggles with identity and self-acceptance have always been a part of my life, but I have learned to cope with them and find strength in my unique experiences.
Despite the ups and downs, I feel grateful for who I am and the journey I have been on. Mental health challenges may persist, but I am learning to embrace them as a part of my story and find ways to overcome them.
In conclusion, it is essential to understand the prevalence of mental health issues such as depression and the impact they can have on people’s lives. Seeking help and building a supportive network can make a significant difference in the lives of those affected, as can taking small steps each day to prioritize mental wellness.
We must also acknowledge the impact that relationships and self-acceptance have on mental health and work towards creating a more open and supportive society that emphasizes the importance of mental health. Through education, awareness, and support, we can help individuals struggling with depression and other mental health conditions overcome their challenges and lead fulfilling, happy lives.
