KARACHI:
Depression is one of the most common and serious mental illnesses that affect many people around the world and adversely impacts an individual’s overall wellbeing. A grim reality of our retrogressive and conservative society is that we only pay heed to physical illnesses and carelessly brush off mental health. The galloping rate of depression amongst our youth demonstrates the lack of awareness of mental health.
In the last two years, depression, anxiety and stress have doubled as the pandemic has led to uncertainty for the future, financial hardships, etc. Due to fewer employment opportunities, many fresh graduates are unable to acquire employment and feel hopeless for the future. Their mental state is further worsened by societal expectations and pressures, competition with peers in both academia and careers. They are more likely to feel despair, helplessness and stress. The inability to talk about their mental state with others is usually what leads to severe depression.
To alleviate this lethal malady, society must become more considerate of everyone’s emotions and thought processes. We should all be empathetic towards one another and be mindful of our behaviour with others. Instead of constantly pressurising children, parents should be supportive and encourage their children to follow their ambitions. Educational institutes should offer counselling to students to help them navigate their mental health. Lastly, the government should initiate awareness campaigns about mental illnesses and rehabilitation.
Usama Mughal
Kandhkot
Published in The Express Tribune, February 3rd, 2022.
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