Depression in young adults - is the data alarming?

By Niranjan Damodaran, CJ Rahul

Credits: Creative commons

Adulthood is a serious phase in life. It is okay to be a little nervous, and it is okay-er to not be. But during the transition, one could confront issues whilst starting to understand oneself. The National Center for Biotechnology Information in an article cites a report that says obesity and mental disorders are the most prominent health issues among young adults, and among mental disorders, depression, deliberate self-harm, eating disorders, and substance abuse rank high.

It is important to talk about a pressing issue here. Depression. The rate of depression, associated suicidal tendencies, and other mental disorders have gone up in the past decade. The reasons, according to experts, vary from social pressure to increased screen time and social media. The mental health of young adults aged 16–24 years was summarized in an Office for National Statistics' (UK) December 2014 report on the well-being of young people, and suicide was a leading cause of death for people aged 15-24.

It is high time we treat mental disorders like physical disorders. There is an unfortunate stigma that is associated with mental disorders and that should be broken. We are trying to understand what depression is, what its symptoms are, and what to do if you have them.

Psychiatry.org defines depression as "a common and serious medical illness that negatively affects how you feel, the way you think, and how you act”. The common symptoms include being sad that feels perpetual, losing interest in activities for which you had interest prior, trouble sleeping, fatigue, losing appetite, and the most dangerous one, thoughts of death and suicide.

There are many ways an individual encounters this certain degree of behavioral change. Depression makes one into cynical, negative thoughts and eventually leads to self-harm as well. Another reason behind the cause of depression is due to work pressure. There are many times when things go beyond out of control in certain circumstances or when a situation arises when events take a different or unusual turn. A heated argument, a known person(s) death, or any trauma can lead to a depressive state of mind.

Credits: Creative commons

There are cases where most people under depression take things and surroundings too hard on themselves. Believing under a false fact that their shortcomings or is the reason behind facing incompetence. Anxiety is also another reason behind why many youths are not confident to speak openly or communicate their thoughts or feelings among friends or coworkers. When Covid- 19 was declared a global pandemic, movement restrictions, lockdowns, frequent handwashing, wearing masks, and social distancing. Most of us were not prepared and were petrified of the pandemic. According to the survey conducted by UNDP (United Nations Development Program), there was a rise in the demand for online counseling when the lockdown was being imposed across the world. Online counseling was heavily depended during this unprecedented phase.

A few amends

While getting professional help is always the best thing to do, these are some ways to help you get through the situation. Depression is not a contagious disease. It does not require any oral medication or any injections. Depression can be cured in many simpler ways.

1. Working on your weakness

Focus on them on how to solve or find solutions for it, rather than ignoring them and keeping them aside. But then again, acknowledging them is enough. This is the best way to improve confidence, building a strong character as well. Most importantly there is one thing to keep in mind when it comes to attitude. To keep a positive mindset, listen to what others are trying to communicate, convey, or criticize. Take accountability for the task assigned, finish the work on time and most importantly keep a positive mindset. Remember the key to happiness lies in your hand.

2. Focusing on your strengths and work

You would be better equipped to understand what you’re good at. Just think about what you have always liked to do, and what made you happy. It is natural to be hesitant at first but once you get things rolling, it will eventually get better.

3. Avoid bad habits and people

Intoxication is a common go-to place for many during crises. But the important thing is to understand that those are only ephemeral, and do not provide perpetual relief. For that, you need to start doing things that would make you feel good in the end. Like a hobby.

4. Adapting new skills or hobbies

This is the simplest method to keep oneself in a preoccupied state of mind. By keeping yourself engaged in any productive activity is better than. New skills can be acquired when we develop an interest in it. Skills like learning a new language, painting, learning to play musical instruments, reading a good English novel, writing a journal or essay are good. Any outdoor sports are best to play with your colleagues or co-workers. Sports playing develops a good bond among the friends

5. Travel to a new place/ Adventure

There is an old saying that traveling to new places opens your heart, broadens your mind, and fills your life with stories to tell. New scenes divert one’s mind and it helps in adapting to new situations. Adventure awaits you!

6. Get professional help

Of course, all the aforementioned tips are to help you get through the situation on your own. The best possible advice is to get professional help from therapists, psychologists, or psychiatrists who can provide precise information regarding your situation.