Today, I had a brief speech in the seminar on Young people and Mental Health in a changing world at the medical college where I work, although, it was organised by Psychiatry Department. World Mental Health Day is observed on 10 October every year, with the overall objective of raising awareness of mental health issues around the world and mobilizing efforts in support of mental health. My points were widely appreciated by the students. These were my points...
One in four young teenagers in India suffers from depression and India has the highest suicide rate among 10 Asian countries. Depression is a major cause of disability but it is also a highly treatable condition. But social stigma often prevents many patients from speaking out and seeking care.
Let me share with you why we are unable to solve this problem . Year after year, we have seminars, discussions and WHO guidelines but nothing much is happening. As far as I know, people suffering from depression and anxiety are increasing by the day. Let me tell you, why ...?? The reason is very simple we rarely step into the shoes of the teenagers and we rarely try to understand their problems through their eyes.
Frankly, we are dealing with GenNext and we try to solve their problems with our archaic ideas and views on how to deal with depression and anxiety. Our old views may not hold water. There is no single reason why teenagers use drugs or alcohol, as a parent, we must understand these reasons and talk to our kids. BTW, teens can't tolerate being alone, and we rarely spend quality time with our children. And I wanted to say one very important thing to the parents, for God's sake, don't live vicariously through your children, let them have their their own dreams and goals. I know few students, who are pursuing MBBS because their parents want them to become Doctors...although, they themselves wanted to become an Engineer. ..Col Pendyala Pradeep, Anaesthesiologist.
One in four young teenagers in India suffers from depression and India has the highest suicide rate among 10 Asian countries. Depression is a major cause of disability but it is also a highly treatable condition. But social stigma often prevents many patients from speaking out and seeking care.
Let me share with you why we are unable to solve this problem . Year after year, we have seminars, discussions and WHO guidelines but nothing much is happening. As far as I know, people suffering from depression and anxiety are increasing by the day. Let me tell you, why ...?? The reason is very simple we rarely step into the shoes of the teenagers and we rarely try to understand their problems through their eyes.
Frankly, we are dealing with GenNext and we try to solve their problems with our archaic ideas and views on how to deal with depression and anxiety. Our old views may not hold water. There is no single reason why teenagers use drugs or alcohol, as a parent, we must understand these reasons and talk to our kids. BTW, teens can't tolerate being alone, and we rarely spend quality time with our children. And I wanted to say one very important thing to the parents, for God's sake, don't live vicariously through your children, let them have their their own dreams and goals. I know few students, who are pursuing MBBS because their parents want them to become Doctors...although, they themselves wanted to become an Engineer. ..Col Pendyala Pradeep, Anaesthesiologist.
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