‘Depression is as common as the common cold nowadays’

Most people think that depression is not a 'real' condition, but they fail to realise that not only does it need treatment it also requires the right diagnosis.

By: Nirmalya Dutta | | Updated: June 4, 2014 4:42 pm

October 10 is World Mental Health Day. Also Read - Mental illnesses on the rise in India: Know why and what you can do to fight the problem

Every year on October 10, the WHO (World Health Organisation) joins the World Federation of Mental Health to celebrate World Mental Health Day. The WHO supports this initiative through raising awareness on mental health issues using its strong relationships with the Ministries of health and civil society organizations across the globe. The theme this year is ‘Mental health and older adults’. On this occasion, we talked to Dr Nirmala Rao, a psychiatrist who established one of India’s oldest psychiatrist clinics, the Aavishakar Psychiatric Clinic in 1993. Excerpts from the interview: Also Read - Spend time in nature to reduce work stress and improve mental health

Why are older people facing mental health issues? Is it simply because they’re living longer? Also Read - Food insufficiency during COVID-19 pandemic increases depression and anxiety symptoms

Earlier longevity of life was less. Hence there is no system in place to take care of older people like we have in other countries. Older people, due to the wear and tear of organs, problems with eyesight, less efficiency in day-to-day chores, find it difficult to cope with today’s fast-paced world. Hence these reasons contribute to their problems in a large way. (Read: 10 conditions that ail the elderly)

Is the new nuclear family system to blame?

Not entirely. But it does contribute in some way. Now-a-days the younger generation is such that they like to be independent and have their own individuality. They do not want any interference from the older generation. This may create some differences in their relationship thus leading to problems. (Read: Living old age with dignity)

Do we make a mistake by putting it down to symptoms of old age?

We often mistake these symptoms as manifestation of old age. For example, memory loss takes a toll due to old age. There are pluses and minuses. The positives are that we don’t consider these symptoms a disorder, which reduces the healthcare costs for senior citizens who are already living on a budget. The minuses are that we ignore the symptoms and don’t attend to them in time. (Read: Interesting facts about ageing)

How can we counter mental problems like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, etc.? Should the youth of today start make better lifestyle decisions now to ward off these issues?

Everyone thinks that taking care of themselves today would ward off these issues during old age. The truth is that today’s youth needs to into cognizance that they wouldn’t be young all the time. Hence, they should be mentally prepared for their later years, mentally, financially and socially. (Read: ‘Alzheimer’s is no more an old age condition’)

Read more about causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of parkinson’s.

How can we get rid of the stigma attached to mental health issues?

We as a member of this society should come up in the open and speak about experiences instead of covering them. Depression is as prevalent as the common cold nowadays. As long as there’s the mind, there will be issues. Society should be made aware of mental health issues by talking openly or writing about the issues and also by iterating what helped patients recover.

Read more about causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of depression.

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Published : October 10, 2013 10:17 am | Updated:June 4, 2014 4:42 pm

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