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I personally have been suffering from depression and was diagnosed three

years ago. Growing up in an Indian family and community, where depression
has stigma attached to it, it has been really tough. Having lived through it, I
have to say that depression is an extremely debilitating illness, and the worst
part is not being understood.

When you have a cold or flu and have high fever, immediately your mom
drops everything she is doing to stay home with you and monitor your health.

Then why is it that the same mom perceives the mental suffering that her child
is going through as mere laziness and stubbornness? Why is it so hard for
people to understand that no person has joy in wallowing in pain and sorrow?

Having depression and feeling depressed are two totally different things

according to me. Yes, everyone feels depressed from time to time, but that
time frame is temporary and they are capable of experiencing happiness
afterwards. Those of us with depression have just fallen into this huge pit

where there‘s only darkness and no ray of light, and absolutely no motivation
to climb out of it. Let‘s put it this way: we can‘t climb out of it.

Furthermore, with the limited support we receive from family, friends and
society, we often learn that there‘s no way out and we just make ourselves very

comfortable at the bottom of the pit. I hope and pray that some day we Indians
will have a new perspective on mental health.
-Sumaira

M y husband and I are staying together only for the sake of our daughter.

Because of stress and other issues, our mental health has gone for a toss. We
have high blood pressure, bouts of depression and loss of stamina. We just
manage to drag ourselves step-by-step.

-Neena

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