Major depressive disorder is common among adolescents (aged 12-18) according to various surveys that has been done across many countries. It is becoming an increasing trend for more and more youngsters to fall into this vicious cycle of feeling depressed and being helpless about it.
Anxiety and depression are not just emotions but are diagnosed as clinical conditions which need to be treated promptly. Should such conditions be left unchecked, they would snowball into something much bigger; and the problem would be much more complex. There is a general lack of awareness of what these conditions even mean to begin with.
Let’s take a closer look as to how students are battling with such problems, and the ways in which they can possibly overcome them!
INNER TURMOIL
“As it is with a play, so it is with life – what matters is not how long the acting lasts, but how good it is.”
― Lucius Annaeus Seneca, Letters from a Stoic
The greatest philosophers have taught us through their writing that life is filled with phases that are transient and impermanent. Good times come and go like the seasons of the year, and it’s a never-ending cycle for a human from the first cry till the last breath. A healthy human mind can be understood as one that is able to start a thought and put an end to it by mindful control. An unhealthy mind on the other hand is one that cannot exercise control on its train of thoughts, and it expands and extends to create the space for undue worries and negativity.
The inner turmoil that is created would in turn paralyse the mind from getting anything productive to be done. Often, those who are suffering from depression do not realise that they are suffering, and they lose track of how much time is being wasted as well.
What Are Some Signs Of Anxiety And Depression?
Anxiety may be defined as apprehension, tension, or uneasiness that stems from the anticipation of danger, which may be internal or external (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 1980).
Depression is defined as a mood disorder that comprises feelings like sadness, emptiness, or irritable mood, accompanied by somatic and cognitive changes that adversely affect the individual’s capacity to function normally.
It is important for everyone to be aware of what these conditions mean and what symptoms would act as red flags. Being in denial or telling others that there is no problem does not solve any issue.
DENIAL
Many people are ashamed of admitting to having such mental issues. Students especially, are vulnerable and naïve that they feel helpless. The problem gets bigger when one decides to do nothing about it or chooses to find other modes of escape to run away from it. Denial is one of the unhealthiest habits to have as it unnecessarily delays the time in which one could have taken active steps to solve the problem.
SEEK HELP
Asking for help and voicing out concerns is of paramount importance. You can reach out to parents, tutors or even seek help from psychiatrist (attending counselling sessions does not make you weak!). The best way out, is to go through it. Instead of trying to escape from the pain, staying with it and analyzing what could be done better to not let this repeat would be much more meaningful.
A healthy mindset is needed for a happy life. When one person decides to only have positive thinking and be kind and encouraging with their words, like a domino effect, this positivity will spread. This will be the ultimate way to reach out to those who are in dire need of help!