Depression: A Silent Threat

Do you experience feeling sad or anxious often or all the time? Not wanting to do
activities that used to be fun? Feeling irritable‚ easily frustrated‚ or restless? Having trouble
falling asleep or staying asleep? Feeling guilty, worthless, or helpless or thinking about suicide?
You have to check yourself and consult your doctor; you might have a depression and its
alarming and a great threat in your health and life.

According to the World Health Organization that in recent years there has been
increasing acknowledgement of the important role mental health plays in achieving global
development goals. Depression is Silent but threatening and one of the leading causes of
disability. Suicide is the fourth leading cause of death among 15-29-year-olds. Causes of
depression are unknown but several factors affect the state of mind of a person that may cause
depression. Traumatic experiences such as domestic violence, failures in school and bullying,
certain health conditions and substance abuse contribute to depression.

Depression and suicide are connected to each other and a mental health condition that
need to be addressed immediately to protect a person suffering, its family and community. What
we can do to help them is our availability and building a foundation of trust with sustenance. The
government and many non-government organizations established mental health connect help
line and support groups to provide access and support to people suffering from depression. As
a person, we have roles and responsibilities to become socially responsible. As for the person
suffering from depression, remember life is meaningful, you are not alone, and your family,
friends, teachers and many others are willing to help you. Never give up because the “NO’ in life
does not mean nothing, failure or end “NO” means “Next Opportunity,” whenever you feel down,
stand up and keep moving forward.