Emerging from the Depths: Overcoming Depression's Grip Written by Mukta Chakraborty, ID - 23136028, Date - 15th August 2023

Unveiling Depression:

Depression ? Do we even know about it? Some people think depression is sadness, but sadness is an emotion and Depression is a serious mental health issue. An American psychiatrist, Peter D. Kramer said, “ Depression is the common cold of mental illness ”. Depression has some symptoms like continuous low mood or sadness, feeling hopeless, loss of interest to do any activities, having low self-esteem, finding difficulties in Concentrating and many more. When a person starts to suffer from depression some problems make a negative impact both physically and emotionally. Personal life trauma, abuse, genetics, workplace pressure etc. can trigger depression.It can happen to anybody including men, women, young adults, old peoples, but in this era young adults are suffering the most. Young adults aged 18 to 25 are experiencing depression more.

Hidden Battles of being Depressed:

People who are suffering from depression experience some chronic health issues like heart diseases, inflammation, also depression causes some emotional problems like sadness, anxiety, loss of interest, hopelessness. These problems make it difficult for a person to enjoy life at school or function or workplace. For a depressed person it becomes very difficult to maintain a good relationship with others. They face difficulties to communicate with their loved ones, that creates a distance and they start to feel lonely which can lead to suicidal thoughts.

Reference : https://unsplash.com/s/photos/depression

Cultural Depression Stigma:

Our society’s thoughts about depression vary from culture to culture, though some thoughts like shame, misunderstanding about depression, fear to talk about depression are very common in people of every culture. Depression is always seen as a sign of weakness or failure which leads to being ashamed of talking about their mental health. Sometimes people misunderstand depression as sadness, also people are afraid to talk about their symptoms which block the path of help. A depressed person isolates himself from everything and because of that the condition of mental health gets worse. However, nowadays our society is trying to accept and talk about mental health problems. Society has started to recognize depression, society’s reaction to depression is improving so that depressed people can seek support and help from their loved ones. Also people have begun  to know that they can have treatment for depression. For treating a person who is suffering from depression one has to be patient during the whole process. Listening to their words without passing judgment is tough work, but with this they will feel relief that there is someone who will listen to every word they say.

Overcoming Darkness:

Now the question arises, can depression be eradicated? Encouragement to do something, being with a depressed person all time, taking care for them, a person's depression can be cured. A statement according to the American Psychiatric Association, “ Depression is a serious medical illness but it is treatable, with the right help, most people can recover and go on to live productive lives ”. There are some medications available for depression but family’s support is the most important thing for his life. In this world there are so many people who have suffered from depression and are now shining in their life. Famous singers like Lady Gaga, Selena Gomez, Billie Eilish, and some famous actors like Chirs Evans, Jim Carrey have suffered from depression earlier. The famous Marvel character “Captain America” played by Chris Evans once suffered from depression at the age of ten after his parents divorced. He said he felt like he was “lost” and “did not know who I was anymore”. Evans said that he isolated him from others and turned him to drugs as a way to numb the pain. In his early twenties Evans decided to seek professional help and at present day he said seeking treatment for depression was the best decision he ever made. Additionally, a famous American singer and songwriter Lady Gaga also suffered from depression. She opened up about her depression and said that she was dealing with her mental health problem since she was a teenager. In 2016, in an interview with Oprah Winfrey, Lady Gaga said that she was raped when she was nineteen and this leads her to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder(PTSD) and depression. Because of that she lost interest in doing activities that she used to enjoy. When she was suffering from depression she mentioned she felt like she is “in a black hole” and she also had suicidal thoughts. Later she started her treatment with medications and therapy. She has also mentioned that she finds comfort in writing music. 

Reference : Chris Evans(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chris_Evans_(actor)) and Lady Gaga(https://www.biography.com/musicians/lady-gaga)

People like Chris Evans, Lady Gaga are inspirations to others. Their story inspired many more people who are suffering from depression.

Depression can not be cured completely but showing a light of hope can help

them from getting out of this dark tunnel.

Reference: 

1. Chris Evans on Mental Health - https://fherehab.com/learning/mental-health-chris-evans/

2. Lady Gaga opens up about her ‘catatonic’ battle with depression - https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/de-stress/lady-gaga-opens-up-about-her-catatonic-battle-with-depression-and-how-it-influenced-her-new-album/articleshow/78188294.cms

Written By:

Mukta Chakraborty.

Mukta Chakraborty was born in Chittagong, Bangladesh, On November 3rd, 2000. Currently studying Bachelor’s of science(BSc) in Biotechnology at BRAC University. She likes to paint in her leisure time and also likes to travel. She has traveled to Rajshahi, Dinajpur, Comilla and many more.