Daily Times

“We have a powerful potential in our youth, and we must have the courage to change old ideas and practices so that we may direct their power toward good ends” – Mary Mcleod Bethune

The greatest wealth and strength of any nation is its youth. They are the powerhouse of a country. If we want to ensure a bright and shining future for our country, first we have to strengthen and empower the youth. We have to solve all issues which they are facing in their lives.

One of the most common youth problems today is depression which is killing the abilities of our young generation and we generally tend to ignore it. Meanwhile, our youth has become more depressed than ever. According to the latest research from the World Health Organisation (WHO), the chances of depression are higher amongst women (5.1%) than men (3.6%). Pakistan is one of those countries where stress, anxiety and depression are at their peak. According to Dr Iqbal Afridi, the President of Pakistan Psychiatric Society and the Head of Department of Psychiatry at Jinnah Post Medical Complex, ‘one out of every three is suffering from these curable diseases’. Youth make up about 34% of the total population of the country and according to research depression affects 15% adults every year.

One of the most common youth problems today is depression which is killing the abilities of our young generation and we generally tend to ignore it

Depression is a state or period of time which involves the body mood and thoughts that makes anyone feel sad, helpless, hopeless and worthless. It is serious medical illness that affects how you feel, the way you think, and the way you act. It can attack anytime, people of all ages, from all walks of life, but usually appears during the teenage. According to Dr Tania Nadeem, a psychiatrist at Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH), “Teenagers suffer from major depressive order which can range from mild to severe levels. It results in lack of concentration, academic decline, reclusive behaviour and at times suicidal thoughts”.

Depression may be the reaction of any loss, relationship problems, death of a loved one, failure in love, long illness, financial issues, personal conflicts or any inner complex. These all may lead to serious mental problems which totally damage a person physically, mentally and emotionally. A person who is affected with frustration and depression feels sadness, loneliness, and grief. Depression can lead to suicide, now the second leading cause of death among 15 to 29-year-old people.

“No matter how bad things are right now. No matter how stuck you feel. No matter how many days you’ve spent crying and wishing things were different. No matter how hopeless and depressed you feel. I promise you that you won’t feel this way forever. Keep going.” – Hellen Wilson

The basic treatment of this depression and anxiety is through medication and therapies. But in this whole process of treatment the family, especially parents, should understand and treat the frustrated person according to the situation, otherwise it will create inferiority complex among youth which can damage their skills.

If you are feeling stuck in depression, increase your social connections, and don’t hesitate to talk with any trusted person who may belong to your family, relatives or any close friend. The teenagers must be told that they are not alone. Treatments of depression is a time taking process and sometimes it might feel frustratingly slow. So don’t worry as recovery usually has its ups and downs. Change your lifestyle, eat healthy diet, do exercise and the most important weapon of treatment is to think about the bright side of life. It may set you tension free.

“If you know someone who’s depressed, please resolve never to ask them why. Depression isn’t a straightforward response to a bad situation; depression just is, like the weather.” – Stephen Fry

Published in Daily Times, June 16^th 2018.