Mind Matters: Breaking the Taboo Associated with Depression and Embracing Its Realities

It is quite surprising and rather painful to realize that depression is still a shame and considered a taboo. We are witnessing the best possible inventions, and discoveries in various fields including health sciences.

Then what is the reason that despite all this development and growth people are still ashamed of talking and discussing their mental illnesses? Does it make them less relevant or less acceptable in society? What are the fears that are associated with acceptance of this disease?

Let’s dig a bit deeper and find out why it is still considered taboo and how we can normalize it like any other disease.

Conventional Thinking and Poor Awareness

As a society, especially in third world countries people still follow their old and typical thinking patterns. It is a common perception that if you are suffering from any kind of mental illness then as a person you are the reason for it. People tend to attach a stigma to it.

It is common to believe that either you are a bad person or you are a weak individual who must have done something really bad. To avoid this judgmental behavior and conventional approach, people suffering from depression hide it.

They even hide it from their family or close friends. Sometimes being depressed is associated with being less religious. Therefore, depression is somehow seen as a result of you being less interested and practicing the religion.

Fear of Discriminaion

There is a possibility that people who are suffering from depression might face discrimination in their family, in circles of friends, and even at their workplace.

They are considered weak and sometimes dangerous individuals who are not capable of making important decisions. These factors also contribute to hiding the facts and it makes the depressive conditions worse.

On the contrary, discrimination in the workplace is real and many people suffer from it. It is evident that when people are treated differently and unfairly it triggers their disorders and has adverse effects on their mental health.

Invisible Battle

As in other diseases, where you can see clear symptoms people around you can observe it. While dealing with depression is quite different. You may seem normal, happy, and joyous to others but there is an invisible battle going on within yourself.

You can be enjoying and partying but deep down you are aware that you are not well and you know that you are pretending just to fit in. This is also the reason that people around you fail to understand your battle with depression and you feel that it is better to stay quiet rather than explain.

Time to Speak Up

Let’s be honest and admit that it is high time that we normalize all types of mental illnesses and break the taboos associated with them. It is high time to hear each other and provide a channel to express our inner feelings without any judgments.

Share your struggles and thoughts as it may be a light for others. What harm it can cause if we all treat each other with sensitivity and care?

Avoid Using Harsh Words

Be careful with the selection of your words. It takes nothing to be more polite towards others. Start accepting the fact that is it a disease and avoid using words like crazy’ or’ insane’. Take care of other people’s sentiments and give respect to each other as you never know which struggles they are going through.

Seek Treatment

Don’t delay your treatment. Go see a doctor, take your medicines along with other precautionary measures. Speak to a physiatrist, and go and get your therapy sessions regularly. Take charge of your life as no one will come and lift you. Remember, it is your life so it is your responsibility. Get out of the misery and take the charge.

Final Words

The human race needs more empathy and awareness to deal with this health issue. There should be more open conversations regarding depression and its treatments. We can’t keep ignoring the issue as it doesn’t exist. Let’s save our loved ones and let’s hear out each other without any negativity and unnecessary cruel judgments.

Can you think of other appropriate and effective ways to remove the stigma linked with depression? Let us know in the comments below!