Author: Neelam Javed MScN student at the School of Nursing and Midwifery, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan. She did her BScN from Aga Khan University, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Karachi, Pakistan.
Depression is a prevalent mental health disorder that affects many individuals worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), “Approximately 280 million people in the world have depression.” (World Health Organization, 2021). A study conducted in Karachi, Pakistan revealed that the estimated prevalence of depression in Pakistan ranges from 22 to 60 percent, with an average of 47 percent in Karachi. (Nisar et al., 2019). Despite its worldwide prevalence, people suffering from depression remain silent and keep themselves in isolation. Breaking this silence and encouraging open conversations about depression is crucial to overcome depression timely.
In many Asian Countries, including Pakistan, depression is among the most common diseases nowadays due to poverty, inflation, loss of loved ones, stress, etc. Due to a lack of awareness about depression, our society stigmatizes them. Due to this, depressed people can’t tell their feelings to anyone, they remain silent and isolate themselves. Due to this isolation and silence, their condition will worsen and suicidal thoughts may arise as suicidal ideation is an end result of depression. According to American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Suicide risk is increased by depression, especially when they are neglected. (American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, 2019).
Strategies for Breaking The Silence And Encouraging Conversations
Creating Safe Spaces for Open Conversations
Creating safe spaces for conversation is crucial for people to feel comfortable discussing their feelings regarding depression. The study stated that talking with a trustworthy person is an effective treatment for depression. On the other hand, people are avoided to take help from others due to lack of support and stigma. (Nisar et al., 2019).
Starting Conversations with Empathy and Sensitivity
We can express our concerns during conversations by actively listening, avoiding our judgment, and offering our support to that person. So that, people with depression can easily share their feelings with us.
Education and Awareness
Accurate knowledge about depression can help in reducing myths and misconceptions about depression and people may encourage conversations regarding depression without any fear.
Encouraging Professional Intervention
Encouraging individuals to seek help from mental health professionals such as psychiatrists, counselors, therapists, etc. may help individuals to break their silence and start conversations about depression comfortably.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Breaking the silence is a collective effort that requires open conversations, education, and societal support. Government should raise public awareness through social media, and campaigns to educate society about depression, encourage conversations, and reduce the stigma. Healthcare professionals should educate patients and their family members about depression and conduct an awareness program in the community and hospital setting. In this way, we can reduce the stigma and encourage conversations regarding depression.
References
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. (2019, December 25). Risk factors, protective factors, and warning signs. https://afsp.org/risk-factors-protective-factors-and-warning-signs
Depression is silent. (2017, October 9). Marco Blogs. https://marcoroons.wordpress.com/2017/10/06/depression-is-silent/
Nisar, M., Mohammad, R. M., Fatima, S., Shaikh, P. R., & Rehman, M. (2019). Perceptions pertaining to clinical depression in Karachi, Pakistan. Cureus. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.5094
World Health Organization. (2021, September 13). Depression. World Health Organization (WHO). https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/depression
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