English SLC Speech on Depression

Good Morning Everyone. I am Shubhika Jaiswal. Today I am going to

be talking about a very serious global issue that people face a lot – Depression.
Depression is a mental health disorder characterised by persistently depressed
mood or loss of interest in activities, causing significant impairment in daily
life. Globally, more than 300 million people of all ages suffer from depression.

Depression is a psychological state that is hard to cure, hard to live

with, and hard to endure. A depressed person lives in a nightmarish world,
darkened by pessimism and dulled by unwillingness to act. This devastating and
destructive state has a negative impact on the individual. It drains energy,
evaporates optimism and enthusiasm, and paralyzes hope. It distorts the world
and substantially reduces the pleasure of living. It may lead to repetitive suicidal
thoughts that can end in self-destruction.

People suffer from depression for many reasons. They become

depressed when all they do seems to become a failure. They get worried about
their inability to realize their plans. They get shelled in loneliness. They get
nervous and easily irritated. They find their lives unstable and hopeless. They
lack safety and become vulnerable to outside influences. Depression is a
hazardous state, especially when you allow it to invade your body and mind.

A few symptoms of depression could include depressed mood, lack

of interest in enjoyable activities, increase or decrease in appetite, insomnia or
hypersomnia, slowing of movement, lack of energy, feelings of guilt or
worthlessness, trouble concentrating, suicidal thoughts or behaviours.

Now, I will share with you some anti-depression tips. First, stay
focused on what you are doing. Start with a small goal and fulfil it: go to a shop,
take a short walk, or make a telephone call. Just start taking action and stick to
doing it. Second, develop supportive relationship, turning to people who love
you and whom you love. Refrain from retreating into yourself, sharing a meal,
emailing, accompanying your friend to the movies, confide in a counsellor or
clergy member. Third, get interested in your own life. For this, have eight hours
of sleep, practice relaxation techniques, and go easy on yourself. Why not to
practice yoga? Why not to introduce a meditative element to your life? Fourth,
get regular exercise. Fifth, eat healthy food. Sixth, avoid negative thinking and
negative emotions. Eventually, ask for help if you cannot overcome your
depression without outside aid.

The good news is that there are effective treatments available and
many support services. The quicker you seek professional help, the easier it will
be to manage your symptoms. It can be hard to know where to go or who to talk
to, if you think, you may have depression, you can turn to the following groups
and organisations for information, counselling, help and support.

Find a GP (general practitioner) or a mental health professional.

Your local GP will help you to manage your symptoms of depression more
easily. They will work with you to figure out what is going on, and will refer
you to other help if necessary.

There are organisations that can help you in various ways to cure
depression.

 Black Dog Institute

 Sane Australia
 Beyond blue

I will share with you a real life example of a celebrity who coped up
with depression. Lili Reinhart struggled with depression when her career was
down. She used to get panic attacks in middle of nights and nightmares about
her career. Her depression faded since she went through some therapy and she
was good. Currently, she is completely fine because now her career has taken a
bright turn since the beginning of her new show Riverdale.

Now, you must embark on the road to depression recovery.

Remember: action is the best anti-depressant for you. Look at the world from a
new perspective: integrate into it on equal terms. Life is given only once, and
you have no time to waste it. Not a single moment to spare! As soon as the
world starts changing, you will keep a stronger touch with it. You will realize
that inward problems are mainly our own creations, our own illusions, our own
misunderstandings. Share your doubts with the world, and you be understood in
return. It is easiest to shut your heart and pretend that loneliness is desirable. A
white lie! Out of depression – to communicate with people – to establish
relationships – and depression will quietly go away! I do not think it will be
welcomed again!

I would like to conclude this speech by saying; everything will be

okay in the end. If it is not okay, it is not the end. ” said by John Lennon