ADDREENA ISHAK

2019883714
04/06/2020
FEATURE WRITING
MC242S2A

THE AGE OF THE DEPRESSED YOUNG: DOES OUR YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH IS IN NEED OF
IMMEDIATE HELP? BY ADDREENA ISHAK

ARE YOUNG PEOPLE FALLING RIGHT INTO THE DARK ABYSS?

Imagine stubborn and loud voices emitting an endless stream of negativity like a heavy rain cloud of
cynical thoughts following your every move. For people living with depression, it can be difficult to
describe to others what it actually feels like.

If it was a disease similar to cancer affecting young Malaysians, or a chronic physical illness, maybe we
would witness a different outlook. Recent research points to countless of causes, many overlapping in
distinct less developed countries often with the absence of infrastructure to gather information
regarding depression, and are less likely to identify it as a disease.

Figure 1: The State of Adolescents’ Mental Health in Malaysia according to The National Health and
Morbidity Survey 2017.

At present, Malaysians especially university students dealing with mental health problems may
remain silent or quiet in professional or social settings to avoid any stigma and taboo. Depression
among university students is extremely common and widespread problem and we should be aware as
mental illness is expected to be the second biggest health problem in this country following heart
disease by the end of this year.

THERE IS NO ONE REASON FOR DEPRESSION

Have you ever wondered what is the reason young Malaysians are facing depression or interacted
with someone depressed and noticed a blank look in their eyes, or a general lack of responsiveness? I
am willing to bet they would love to give you a genuine reply to your question, but in that moment
their mind is filled with empty thoughts with nothing to give.

It is impossible touidentify one particular cause for depression among university students, as there
are various different triggers. Adapting to a new environment or academic system made in the wake
of newly discovered freedom can be disruptive and stressful especially when they find themselves
struggling with lack of support system can be what pushes students past their breaking point.

There is also the issue of university students getting their first taste of the "real world" not knowing if
they will have a career or a decent job after school, what do they do for a living, will they have a roof
to live under,, and how they will pay the bills can be a weight on students. The sense of uncertainty of
their surrounding choosing a major or feeling without direction or inspiration, especially when the
student’s friends all seem like they found their light in the tunnel, can certainly lead to depression.

Figure 2: Drug Use in Teens Associated With Depressive Symptoms.

Depression is also strongly associated with substance use and abuse. While the college atmosphere
often encourages partying, students who do so excessively can be led to high-risk behaviors, mental
health problems and depression.

Anxiety problems can often occur in conjunctionuwith depression, but it is possible to have one
without the other. One of the crucialnthings to remember with both depression and anxiety is that
they can lead to vicious cycles that continually spiral out of control if nothing is done to address them.

HOW TO BE WELL AND STAY WELL BY YOURSELF?

There remains a widespread misunderstanding of the illness, particularly the persistent trope that
people with depression should just “buck up”, or “get out more”. What might happen if you worked
with your anxiety, not against it?

Allow yourself to be sad. Denying your existing feelings may force them underground, where they can
do more damage with time. Cry every time you feel like it. You feel relief after the tears stop. Think
and write about the context of the sad feelings. It is usually not as simple as discovering the cause of
the sadness, but understanding the reason you feel that way and exploring those feelings can help
you feeln better.
 Figure 3: Indulging in some of your time everyday to relax and recharge.

Always be kind to yourself. This may include a hot bubble bath or indulging in long naps. Genuinely
spending time with yourself until you feel comfortable with yourself. It takes time to realize that it is
totally fine to be alone and there is nothing better than your own company.

Remember that sadnessncan result from a change that you did not expect, or it can signal the need
for a change in your life. Everyuending is a new beginning. Change can be stressful, but it is necessary
for growth.

KNOWING THE DIFFERENCE

Unlike depression, which isnpersistent and longer-lasting, sadness is temporary andntransitory.

Sadness can, however, still possible turn into depression. Beingnable to tell the difference between
normal sadness and depression can encourage you to take action and seek resources to make
improvement of your mood.

Even if you only have a few of the depression warning signs, it is worth learning more about
depression and learning ways of preventing it from getting worse. Managing stress levels and dealing
with earlynsigns of depression is crucial for your mental health.

If someone has a broken arm, they can still ask for help everyday. But if you are mentally ill, it is much
more difficult to ask for help. All in all, there is no better time than right now to start talking, listening,
and most of all understanding.