Identifying that we’re depressed or that a loved one is going through depression is not enough. Even today there is stigma associated with depression, and this leads us to keep everything hush-hush rather than addressing and dealing with depression head on.

While we talk about joyous moments freely and openly, the case is not the same with difficult situations. These are kept under wraps, especially when a person goes through mental health challenges. This blog post focuses on the stigma around mental illness and depression, and why we fail to address it.

Main Reasons for the Stigma

There are stereotypes associated with depression and mental health illness, that encourage people to arrive at quick judgements about others. This can come from family, friends, colleagues, and society in general. It is also fuelled by a lack of awareness regarding the symptoms of depression, which is something we covered in the previous blog post.

For someone who is depressed, there is so much to deal with on a regular basis:

• Fear of being looked down upon
• Fear of being treated differently
• Association of guilt and shame with mental illness

People who suffer silently with depression have often spoken about the concept of “losing face” – which is basically the loss of dignity, respect, and standing in their communities. While the extent varies in different cultures, some form of it is prevalent everywhere, even today.

Harmful Effects of the Stigma

By not seeking professional help, the person may struggle with lower self-esteem, difficulties in relationships, and challenges at the workplace among other things. On a larger societal level, the stigma leads to underfunding or lack of political backing for mental health research, and lower than optimal availability of treatment and support services. Until we address it the way we should, the victims will continue to be denied the help they so desperately need.

3-Step Approach to De-stigmatising Depression

Start by being open to conversations around mental health. If you’re struggling with depression, come out with it and share it with the world without any fear of judgement. There is a lot of emphasis nowadays on the topic, with even the World Health Organisation (WHO) shifting focus to mental health. Also, awareness programmes and special days have been instituted to increase knowledge around depression worldwide.

Another important aspect is promoting equality between mental and physical illnesses in our conversations. In many Asian cultures, depression is viewed as a part of life, something one needs to persevere through. We need to start treating depression like a disease, as much as say diabetes, cancer or a heart condition. Something that can be treated by a qualified professional over time. Be honest about the treatment, about seeing a therapist or psychiatrist, just as you would if you were visiting a physician for rectifying a physical ailment.

It’s also important to be compassionate and empathetic towards others. Begin by asking them how they are doing. Look around you, ask a loved one if they need help, and then listen without any judgment whatsoever. Be respectful of what they are speaking about and embrace the challenges they are facing. Until we recognise what they are going through, we will never be able to empathise and offer any form of help.

After having gone through the symptoms of depression and the stigma around depression, we move on to practical steps in the next post – steps that one can follow to deal with depression, and even prevent it in the first place. For starters, commit to a change in mindset today – be open to talk about depression and mental health. Keep reading to increase your understanding and to equip yourself in the fight against depression.