Depression is now a serious mental illness that has a negative impact on both physical and mental health. Are you worried about anything? Then, let’s talk about it and beat depression. The most effective medicine is talking about it ‘freely and openly’.

As per WHO’s report, more than 32.50 crore people are suffering from depression globally. In South Asia,  India is home to an estimated 5.70 crore people (18% of the global estimate) affected. The report states that depression is a disease where people always feel sad and disappointed. Their interests in daily activities in day-to-day activities gradually reduce. If this situation continues for more than 2 weeks then, one is suffering from depression.

According to NIMHANS (National Institute of Mental Health & Neuro Sciences), 1 in every 20 people living in India is suffering from depression. In India, people shy away from sharing their mental health problems with their family. Small things make them feel depressed. These people become a victim of depression and anxiety at a very early stage. This becomes the root cause for many problems at a later stage of life.

Depression can attack anyone at any point in time. It can happen to students who aren’t getting good marks, professionals who aren’t able to achieve their targets etc. Some people get depressed due to season change. This is called SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) or seasonal depression.

Beat Depression

If you ever feel depressed then, talk to your family and friends about it. Express your emotions. This will help you to a large extent. Don’t hesitate to take medical advice, if required.

• Do those things which you love to do and which make you feel happy.
• Don’t disconnect yourself from the world.
• Spend quality time with your family and friends.
• Regular work-out,  exercise and Meditation with a little bit of walking.
• Read and watch things that motivate you.
• Avoid alcohol, sweets, processed food and caffeine.

One should understand that they can share messages with their ‘Online friends’. To share emotions, one needs to connect with their real-life friends.  The more people connect emotionally the better it is for their mental health.

If you find anybody around you is suffering from suffering from depression then, approach them. Let them express their emotions, share positive thoughts and motivate them to move forward. Remember, one can beat depression by talking about it, undergoing various therapies and with the help of anti-depressant drugs. Talking about it is the most effective measure in combating stress.