Depression - a social taboo

Depression is a type of non communicable  disease which is neither contagious nor caused by any micro-organism; and is a mental illness related to lifestyle.
World Health Organization (WHO) describes health as a state of complete physical, mental ,social and emotional well-being and not merely an absence of disease or ailment.
To have a holistic good health emotionally and mentally , the mind should be at peace and a state of satisfaction .
Depression signifies a psychic state having following characters-
1. Lack of interest for day to day chores
2. Lack of vigour, or enthusiasm
3. Feeling of loneliness
4. Not feeling good about anything
5. Feeling of being non compatible , non adjusting to a situation
6. Lowered self esteem
7.  Self harm
8.   Suicidal tendencies  ( which is the extreme side ) .
Scientifically speaking ,depression occurs when there is lack of serotonin- which is a neurotransmitter ( a bio chemical affecting neurons and fibres in the brain) . Due to lack of this substance, there is reduced command from brain to the whole body for reacting to any circumstance , leading to above mentioned symptoms.
Technically , there are no observable or identifiable signs ( which are clinically seen in  most of other diseases).
The symptoms can only be noticed by the person suffering from depression or may be by the person knowing the bearer closely. Sometimes the person himself/ herself may not even be aware about the impeding depression along with other illnesses.
Now talking about the incidence of depression , it is one of the most common illnesses worldwide. There are few important causes which affect mental state .
1)  changing lifestyle
2) increasing cut -throat -level competition at every phase in life
3) increasing ambitions ( but lack of proper guidance )
4)  concern about social image ( you are conscious about what society talks, what people will say or comment )
5) judgmental and prejudiced mentality of society
6) showbizz and a zeal for luxurious ,free spirited life.
7) peer pressure and the naive attitude to proove one's existence
Our Indian society consists of democratic and secular states, which has witnessed  many social revolutions and changes taking place since independence or  may be way before that. But ironically,  mental illness is still a taboo and  a social stigma , about which many deny or hesitate to talk about.
On one side we keep saying that when one is depressed he/ she  should talk or speak up about it...but this is possible only when there is actually someone to hear and listen to.
Because one cannot just shout out in public talking about his /her concerns , as people then declare such persons as mental or dangerous and hazardous to society.
People try to avoid talking to such persons and they create a barrier for not interacting with them . They want to stay away from such negativity.
Deplorable is equally the situation where some well- to- do , blessed people are not bothered or concerned about what is going on around. They are buzy in their own world and they don't even care .They don't feel their responsibility neither towards society nor the  nation as a whole.
It is good to be free spirited , good to be free minded , but only at the cost when you have a logical rationale behind it.
Depression is affecting the younger population more than any other strata of society.
If at all such symptoms are encountered, it's time to seek help and assistance. To avoid feeling depressed one can-
a) indulge in  a thing which he/she is fond of like any art form or hobbies.
b) talk to family,friends, and well wishers about the worries and concerns.
c) consult a physician or counsellor for any medical ,psychological and emotional assistance.
d) practice yoga and concentrate on physical fitness .
 e)  can also connect with voulntary organizations who are working to relieve stress and any suicidal tendencies- here are few contacts  -
1) AASRA - 022-27546669
2) Sneha India- 044 24640050

In order to reduce the brunt of this illness ,it is time to understand our responsibilities collectively without any discrimination.
It is time when we consider mental illness as any other illness of the body. It should not be stigmatized anymore and should be dealt with gracefully and cautiously.

Monsoon Related Diseases during CoronaTimes

As time is passing by ,we are gradually stepping towards new normal life. Where at one place we are to take all precautions against covid -19, it should also be kept in mind that monsoon is approaching and here we should also take care about monsoon related diseases. 

These diseases persist throughout the year, but their  incidence  increases remarkably  during monsoon season.  

Some very common diseases are - 

1) vector borne  / mosquito borne diseases like - malaria,dengue, ,leptospirosis

2) air borne diseases like- common flu, H1N1 influenza,  pneumonia,tuberculosis.

3) water -borne diseases like- cholera,gastroenteritis, diarrhoea, 

4) skin infections like - fungal infections, bacterial infections.boils,rashes.

In order to prevent these diseases,certain points should be taken care of -

To prevent mosquito related diseases- 

1) prevent mosquito breeding - by keeping drinking water in hygienic conditions, cleaning  the drums and containers used for storing water- promoting dry day in which for one day all containers are thoroughly washed and dried up before again storing water.

2) avoid water logging - for example the pots in which ornamental plants are kept should be cleaned at regular intervals, AC ducts should be cleaned intermittently , manholes to be prevented from logging .

3) prevent mosquito bite- by using mosquito nets,mosquito  repellants .

At community level regular fogging done by the government officials should be promoted.

Walking bare footed in logged water or soil ,or otherwise should always be avoided as it may cause leptospirosis and  ascariasis(hook work infection ) respectively.use gum boots where required.

To prevent air borne diseases

1) use of face mask ( as for preventing covid -19) , handkerchief for coughing,sneezing,

2) maintain social distancing , (avoid going into public places).

3) avoid exposure to dust , hay, fibers, and other particles causing allergies. 

Keynote- during monsoon the risk of getting covid-19 disease is tend to increase.Therefore ,avoid consuming cold food as it may cause sore throat which inturn may worsen the case.

To prevent water borne diseases -

1) always consume safe water ,use mineral water wherever possible.

2) use water purifiers, aquaguards. Where applicable, alum, chlorine solution or chlorine tablets can also be used to disinfect water . At community level, use of bleaching powder to disinfect water bodies is promoted.

Simple boiling of water at home before consuming it is also a good practice.

To prevent skin infections-

1) Disinfection of floor using Dettol,Lyzol (or whichever disinfectant available) is highly recommended .

2) wear washed ,well-dried clothes and maintain good personal hygiene .

3) Avoid wearing moist footwear, socks and clothes.

Regular hand washing,keeping good nutrition, healthy diet , regular exercise along with all precautions will certainly help in achieving a good health.

Also, food borne diseases are caused by consuming unhealthy food. So avoid consuming uncooked,raw food ,unpacked food or the food not fulfilling the quality standards.(ISI ,FSSAI)