Youths sinking into abyss of depression but it's a taboo

BHOPAL: Family of Nitin Mishra, 22, resident of Kolar Road, learnt about his battle with depression, five months after they came across his diary in which he scribbled about his daily experiences and problems as suggested by his therapist.
When his family asked him why did not share his ordeal with them, Nitin was silent. Earlier, he had tried to pour out his grief to his family members, but they could not understand the seriousness of his problem and had nonchalantly called it as mere mood swings.
This is not a problem with Nitin alone. According to psychiatrists and therapists of Bhopal, 3 out of 50 youngsters are sinking into the abyss of depression and their family may not have any clue about it. The count is rising and the most affected age-group is between 17 and 30.
Most youngsters seek help from therapist on advice of friends and colleagues after being disheartened from lack of support and understanding from family members.
"Even though private school and colleges and even organizations have counsellors, you will rarely see these departments actively involved with youngsters. It's a taboo leads to reluctance and victims fear embarrassment. At home, confessions about depression backfires because parents often misinterpret it as lethargy and fear that paying too much attention to it may be encouraging their children to hold on to an excuse to evade the world. Most people who come to us bring along their friend, colleague or relative instead of an immediate member from the family," said psychologist Dr Vinay Mishra.
According to experts, social media is also becoming an increasing reason of depression among youngsters who fail to face the brunt of the virtual world. Also, taking one to the psychiatrist or psychologist is still considered a taboo by society.
"It is usually after the first suicide attempt that parents rush for professional help. Hopelessness and helplessness is the ground on which depression breeds and early warning signs are ignored by the parents. Those suffering from acute depression is traditionally advised to wake up early morning or practice yoga whereas proper behavioural and therapies are required to combat the disease. Sometimes, people living under the same roof may not understand the whirlpool of emotions one is going through," he said.