The sudden rise in suicides among Indian youth due to emotional stress and their inability to handle relationships in the last decade gives rise to the question: Is young India suffering from depression?
The recent suicide of starlet Jiah Khan and a techie in Hyderabad might just be the tip of the iceberg.
One wonders if SMS and social networking are detrimental for relationships and whether lack of physical intimacy at an early age are taking the zing away from relationships.
Experts agree that both these factors are adding to the emotional burden.
Dr P.K.N. Choudhary, psychiatrist at Chetana Hospital explains, "Minute-by-minute accounts of each other's doings do not exemplify a good relationship. It's a misunderstanding that in a relationship there must be constant sharing with the partner. It must be understood that emotional needs are satisfied over a period of time, killing it early by giving into everything takes the fun out of life."
Youngsters also find it difficult to cope with issues like lies and deceit in a relationship. They are not able to clearly decipher the different facets of their love-life, leading to confusion, and they end up being traumatised. This takes a toll as they suffer from headaches, mood swings, fatigue and are preoccupied with thoughts of death - tell-tale signs that must not be ignored.
Dr Naga Laxmi, psychiatrist at KIMS says, "The role of a parent now is very important and they have to keep constant vigil. They must know their child's friends, classmates and also keep themselves constantly updated about the progress of their child without being over indulgent."
Tips for parents to deal with depression among kids:
- Be gentle but persistent about listening to thier problems.
- Never criticise or pass judgement on the child.
- Offer a suitable solution, which the teenager is free to take.
- Don't hesitate to take a psychiatrist's help if the situation goes out of control.
Tips for youngsters to beat depression:
- Build trust in yourself.
- Autonomy - make your own decisions.
- Initiative - ability and willingness to take action.
- Industry - work diligently at a task.
Points to ponder:
- Depression has increased from two to three per thousand individuals to 7.9 to 8.9 per thousand in urban areas.
- Women are more prone to depression than men.