Depression in young adults

Recent statistics indicate there are a growing number of young adults who experience depression.

• Every three seconds someone attempts suicide in our country.

• Approximately 1.3 lakh Indians take their own lives every year—a shocking 17 per cent of the global total.

• One-third of all female suicides and one-fourth of all male suicides in the world take place in India.

• When it comes to the youth, the statistics are staggering. We have the highest rate of youth suicides in the world. Sadly, 40 percent of all suicides reported in India are below the age of 30.

• It is one of the top three causes of deaths in the age group of 15-35.

• Every one hour a student commits suicide in India.

It is sad that people still tend to look at suicide as a form of cowardice or a shameful act. In reality one has to be mentally ill and suffering greatly to even contemplate taking one’s own life.

Death is a scary prospect for any of us. Keeping that in mind, try imagining how troubled a person’s state of mind would have to be when he or she chooses death over life?

In reality, every suicide attempt is a cry for help in disguise. The person has attempted the unthinkable only because he or she sees no other way out. If we can offer even the smallest ray of hope, the person’s life can change and saved.

Suicidal thoughts are not something that everyone experiences so it is extremely difficult to understand the pain that one must feel to completely give up on one’s life and see no hope of any future at all. When one feels that they are a burden on their family or loved ones and feel that they would be better off without them. So when someone is already reeling with the guilt, how do you even start to tell your loved ones that you are having thoughts of suicide and make them understand how you are feeling when you yourself can’t even fathom why you are feeling the way you do. Also how are you going to handle the emotions that may overwhelm your loved ones when your own emotional ability to deal with anything is bordering on negative?

So here are some tips about how to do this because we all know that it’s important to develop a support Don’t let fear, shame, or embarrassment prevent you from seeking support.

1. Who- Find someone whom you are comfortable with and trust. It could be anyone from your  family or friends.

2. When- Talk when you are ready. This can't be a hurried conversation so make sure that you and your loved one possibly does not have to rush for something important.

3. What- It is the best to be direct and matter of fact so that they are aware of how you really      feel. It is your journey and you are in control of how much you want to share. Be clear of        what you need from them and this could vary from just a listening ear or checking up on        you every now and again.

4. How- Try to think of it as just another conversation. It need not to be a face-to-face  conversation, you could also communicate via text message or letter if you are more            comfortable with that.

Suicide is not an option.