Why depression and suicides are getting hype in Pakistan? Let's discuss!

It is really heart wrenching to see youngsters committing suicide because they are not being able to handle things that they go through in their lives. The recent suicidal event of a Beaconhouse National University student forced me to come up with this blog. Since her tragic death, a lot of people appeared on the screen to come up with solutions for it. I also contacted a lot of people of different ages, having different backgrounds to get to know why is depression becoming a part of the life of a teenager!

I dig a little more and came with the astonishing stats about the rate of depression in Pakistan, rising alarmingly that says:

37% of children have been diagnosed with depression, and out of this 17 to 18 suffer from suicidal thoughts.

Reasons for Depression:

Well, the major reason behind the depression in Pakistan in the lives of teenagers or adult is not being satisfied with what they have! The social media is the center of depression for those who have weak minds or those who have social media anxiety, because people dress up well, apply like a hundred filters and post it on Instagram, facebook etc. That's a point to note that

Nobody is ever going to post his or her failures on social media!

I remember I was taught by my mother that in Islam it says if you bring fruits or meat for home, make sure that is not visible from the shopping bag so that they don't feel bad if they cannot afford to buy it. But now these days everyone posts where they go, what they eat, how they enjoy and this act is causing disturbances and restlessness among all.

Plus, the parents these days have granted their kids rights of living an independent life, joint family system is getting extinct now. Most of them hesitate to talk to their parents directly, so they keep it just to themselves, making up scenarios, overthinking about any situation and getting to nothing but depression. Like in early times, teenagers used to go to their favorite Khala or Mamo or Chachu just in case they face any trouble or even grandparents to get a piece of advice. But now, there is no such a system, teenagers rely mostly on their friends who are of the same age and have no life experience. And they end up posting stuff on social media where nobody really bothers.

Another reason for depression is that judgemental comments of the society. or we can say bullying. Salena Gomez made a whole season on depression, bullying "13 Reasons Why". I would say that portrayed how worse the situation can get if not properly cured and discussed.   

Bano Qudsia, a legendary woman of Pakistan is an inspiration for me since I started reading her. Here is a video from Parhlo website in which she beautifully explained the how to overcome depression

What people are saying about Depression and mental illness in Pakistan?

So the current situation of our youth urged me to contact a lot of people belonging to different backgrounds and of different ages. The basic purpose was to know what is the depression in their terms and how it can be overcome! Let's see what they are saying!

Rai Azlan, from Media Spring Bubble

Here is what I think we can do to help

Understand the warning signs, be vigilant about those educate yourself about mental illness and talk openly about it we need to be more supportive not enabling, avoid using judgemental language in front of people suffering from mental illness. Most importantly discuss this with mental health specialists.

Zahid Jabbar, from UET Lahore

Emotional beings—yes that’s what we actually are. In the course of one day, we can feel a range of emotions—excitement, joy, happiness, nervousness, anxiety, anger and so on. We all sometimes feel down, hurt, frustrated and angry and that’s totally normal. There are moments when we feel like drowning in the sea, where things don’t make any sense and we know no path taking us out of it.  

Under my impression, mental/psychological issues are real and should be discussed and talked about. Every individual goes through different phases of mental situations, some are gifted enough to face the daily challenges and come out victorious but there are some who really don’t understand what’s happening in their lives and what to do. These are the people who really need care, attention and moral support.

To understand the mental issues in youngsters, it’s inevitable to understand their journey, their struggles and their inclinations towards the career they adopt or somehow forced to adopt. In this ever-changing world, every generation faces different circumstances and hardships in their lives. It’s the era of Google. To understand issues of young minds, doing a proper study of their interests is vital.

Students are always expected to score high and outperform in each and every subject. We’re never told that it’s totally okay if one, even giving his fullest, cannot score good or at fail at a subject. And you know what happens when we fail! We end up being depressed. The reason for this is that we’re never told or taught how to tackle these setbacks. We’re never taught which strategies or approach to adopt whenever faced with a setback.

Everyone should be encouraged and motivated to push the boundaries and come out of their comfort zones but here in our society, we are so much pressurized by people we are surrounded by that when we face a setback we really end up depressed. And we don’t even find anybody to listen to us, to understand the reasons, and to help us come out of this particular phase of depression. Because of this, each day we see headlines in the newspapers of students committing suicide.

Today’s generation is being brainwashed through social media and mainstream media. We have become so sensitive about certain issues that we can not entertain the difference of opinions. There is so much negativity being spread through social media. This should be brought to an end.

Fast-forward, we should listen to other people’s problem without judging them because, sometimes, listening to someone really makes them feel good. This is a very little thing in doing but it can make a huge impact on other people’s life.  

Hirra Abdul Malik from Bonn, Germany

I believe, being with someone you trust, someone of your own type when you are low is the best solution to avoid depressive thoughts. Sharing your day with your parents or siblings is the most helpful act you can do for yourself to avoid this deadly trench.

For parents, If you see your teen struggling with a mental health disorder, the worst thing you can do is to ignore it or pretend it doesn’t exist. Talking openly and honestly to your teen about depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts reduces the stigma of silence around these issues and lets your child know that it’s OK to speak up about what they’re going through. JUST END THE GENERATION GAP AMONG YOU. give your children enough confidence to speak their heart out in front of you openly.

Let your teen know that having a mental health issue doesn’t change how much you love them. It may be difficult, but try not to jump to conclusions or blame certain people, events or situations for what your child is experiencing. It can be all too easy to practice enabling behaviors that do more harm than good, such as offering to do homework or making excuses for their mental illness.

When talking to someone who’s struggling, it’s important to think about the way you talk. Platitudes like “Everything’s going to be OK” and “You’ll get over it” do nothing to help someone with a mental health disorder. Instead, ask questions like “How can I best support you right now?” Reassure your teen that they’re not the only one who deals with these issues and that you’re by their side through it all. Just being a silent supporter of somebody fighting with depression may help them overcome their fears as well.

I plea everybody out there to look into your social circles, the people you love, talk to them, talk nicely, give them enough confidence to say, realize who is fighting with this deadly disorder and help them overcome their fears. Help them come out of it. Help them get off their burden. Help them live again!

Long live Pakistan.

Zarbaf Bakht, from DigiAge Advertising Agency

Depression is something very disruptive. And to me it is something which is curable if given keen love and interest. It is definitely that eats you up from the inside out.

Everyone goes through it. Even I myself, get into that state. But, one thing that is believe in you and Allah. It always gives hope. I agree, when a person is going through it, one feel like nothing and nobody is going to help. But believe me, positive thinking and zikr of Allah can be helpful Guys, always talk and share. Keep the strongest of your faith in God and always do things with good will. Last but not the least, NEVER EVER LOOSE HOPE.




So, if you ever feel like the world is ending and things don't work out, REMEMBER IT'S NOT THE END! GET HELP FROM YOUR SURROUNDINGS!