Daily Times

In Pakistan, we are habitual of denying the problems that exist around us, and so we remain indifferent until something big enough to catch our attention occurs. (Case in point: depression) A lot has been stated on how depression in a person should be treated like an illness and not just as a faulty state of mind which can be cured by reciting verses of the Quran. It is not wrong to have such religious beliefs and recite verses for your well being as you deem fit, but to say that depression can be cured merely by “turning to God” is tantamount to belittling the victim’s struggle. Depressed people are told to become a ‘good Muslim’ and pray regularly so as to get rid of the depression. This sums up everything that is wrong with our society’s approach towards dealing with depression.

There are various signs of depression, which when noticed, should be shared with a psychologist so that those suffering can be given some relief. It is only after the depressed people hurt themselves or attempt suicide that their relatives realise that the issue was too serious to be ignored.

Depression can be caused by various factors and it is difficult to mention a single most common way it affects individuals because it affects each individual in a different manner

Depression can be caused by various factors and it is difficult to mention a single most common way it affects individuals because it affects each individual in a different manner. In some cases, the pain is temporary and goes away after they let their tears out but for others it is a never ending ordeal. The least we can do is have empathy and put ourselves in the other person’s shoes. Sometimes we don’t understand the reason behind someone’s sudden mood change and if they act irritable we think they may be doing it to gain attention. These may be early signs of depression and should be carefully treated.

To help a person in need, you should be ever ready to listen to them and empathise with them to an extent that they don’t consider them to be alone. If possible, try to understand as to what exactly is troubling them. This way, you may be able to help end the reason which is causing the person to be depressed. In most cases, bullying leads to the victim becoming anxious and the anxiety leads to depression. If there is any such reason for anyone around you to act differently, try to address the problem and
see what can be done to

help end the person’s ordeal so that depression does not become serious and a life is saved. Let’s all pledge to be more empathetic and less judgemental. You never know when your remarks about a person may end up hurting them.

Published in Daily Times, October 27^th 2018.