Misuse of the term “depression”
The most used word in today's day and age is "Depression". We have come a long way in terms of being aware of the signs, symptoms and treatments related to it. Everyone knows what depression is, so I am not going to repeat the things that have been said a million times over.
Instead, I want to focus on the overuse and misuse of the term depression.
We often hear the word ‘depression’ used casually, without realizing the fact that we are actually trivializing a very serious issue that affects millions of people worldwide, especially after the ravaging Covid-19 pandemic.
Let us see look at certain instances below:
When we feel down after a defeat, we say, 'feeling depressed'.
When we are upset after failing an exam, we say 'feeling depressed'.
When our favorite festivals end, we say, 'feeling depressed'.
When our daily plans get haywire, we say, 'feeling depressed'.
When we have a fight with someone close, we say, 'feeling depressed'.
When we have a bad day, we say, 'feeling depressed'.
And the list goes on.
Sadness and Depression:
Sadness is a normal human reaction that is experienced by everyone. It is basically a natural reaction to certain upsetting life events like, loss of a beloved, misunderstandings and disagreements in relationships, disappointment, lack of job etc.
It is usually temporary and goes away after a certain period of time. Also, it is not life crippling.
Depression is a mental illness that affects our lives in severe ways. It is life crippling. It can cause long-term mental and physical health issues. It is usually long-term in nature.
How to not misuse the term ‘depression’:
Now, we have to understand, any type of low feeling does not mean "depression". We must be mindful of how we use the term depression.
It can trivialize the experiences of people who are genuinely struggling with this serious mental issue.
The opposite also often happens when somebody who is into depression, tries to talk about it, they are often misunderstood as simply having an off-day. The legitimate cases get unnoticed because people pay less attention.
Moreover, it needs to be diagnosed by a professional. We cannot just claim to have it. We do not claim to have cancer or any other disease, then why do it with "depression"? (Just because it is easier?)
Sometimes we do exhibit certain signs and symptoms which might suggest we are suffering from depression. In that case, we must seek professional help.
It is a very sensitive issue which needs to be handled delicately and with care.
Let us all be diligent and mindful of using the term “depression”. At least for the sake of those who are genuinely suffering from this mental illness and need support.
Am I asking too much from you? I am sure, I am not.
If anyone is looking for any kind of help, you can visit the following sites.
Mental Health Foundation | Live Love Laugh (the live love laugh foundation.org)
Find Inclusive Mental Health Therapists, Support Groups, Support In India | TheMindClan.com
Take care you lovely people!
Sucheta
Disclaimer: I am not an expert or a professional in the field of mental health. This writing is based solely on my experience and observation, and it is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice. If you need help with mental health issues, please contact a qualified professional.
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