Breaking the cycle

Society as a whole tends to shun things that are unknown to them. Something different is often perceived as threatening. As a result, we try to minimise that threat by invalidating it, or brushing it off. A person with anxiety, for example, can be coined as a "worry-wart," or someone who "takes stress unnecessarily upon themselves." The implication being that one does not have anxiety, but rather, chooses to be anxious. For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. Similarly, a person with depression is often considered self-indulgent, and lazy. What people do not understand, however, is that these conditions are not a choice or an indulgence. People with depression and/or anxiety are often so debilitated by their overwhelming sense of sadness that they have somatic responses: eating and sleeping too much or too little; stomach-aches; chest pains; breathing problems. These somatic symptoms are not imaginary. They are the body's way of telling us that our minds are suffering. Since the start of the pandemic, many of us are struggling with anxiety and depression. How much longer do we need to stay in isolation? Am I putting my family members at risk by going to work? Are we confined to a lifetime of masks and fear and six feet distance forever? Almost all of us, at some point, has either felt the weight of COVID or worried about its effects. However, we suffer in silence. Because mental health, in society's eyes, is considered a "weakness." And so, we attempt to cover it up, not understanding that we are causing more damage to not only ourselves, but also, our families. Because by labelling mental health as a problem for the weak, we are disrespecting a person who is truly suffering, and is too scared to get help, for fear of being judged. And how does that help anyone? We must move past this, get over our prejudices regarding mental health. We have to fight this stigma. Because with the world in disarray, we must keep going and help others on the way. The only way to break the cycle is to face the problem head on, and acknowledge it as a legitimate issue, so that people can get the help that they need. Only then will we be able to fight the monster of mental illness. Photo: Collected What is Depression? Depression is a medical disorder that affects the way you feel. People with depression often have a persistent feeling of sadness, irritability or anger. Other symptoms include having low energy, negative thinking, self-confidence issues and the inability to regulate their emotions. What is Anxiety? Anxiety is a mental disorder in which, the person feels an overwhelming sense of fear, stress or worry. People with anxiety often have feelings of restlessness, irritability, panic, or dread. Almost everyone has had anxiety at some point in their life, but may not be able to recognise it.