According to World Happiness Report published by the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN), which is a global initiative for the United Nations, India ranks 117 out of 158 nations. The criteria chosen for this particular happiness index were GDP per capita, life expectancy, social support and freedom to make life choices as indicators of happiness. I personally do not agree that happiness can be calculated as an index. It is a matter of time and moreover a concept of happiness an individual chooses to follow. But when another report says, “Depression alone accounts for around three per cent of the total diseases in India”, you are left with no option other than to believe that we lack happiness. From farmer suicides to students suicides shows that the problem is intense. We just avoid it as we do “terms and conditions” in an app. We know it is there but, don’t take it seriously.
This is a difficult Era. Development, globalization has made things easy to use but hard to understand. We often find ourselves cornered, not good enough, not fit in …. and there are a lot of such words. Success is more important than mental piece. Scientists, doctors have been researching in these areas and have gained a significant improvement. But primary problem lies in identifying and accepting that there is a problem which needs to be addressed.
In October 2014, government launched the Smartphone named SMART—Systematic Medical Appraisal, Referral and Treatment. The scheme operates in about 40 villages in the state of Andhra Pradesh, and brings mental health services to the patients home. There are several limitations in this project, but still there is a hope.
So, what we as a society can do?
Well, first we need to stop blaming or pointing out the sufferer and genuinely listen to the problem of that person. We often ask “how are you?” Rarely do we actually mean it. We need to understand that responsibility towards humanity does not end with posting on social media. We need to be sensitive and sensible and to find better communication methods. It can be started from friends, family and relatives.
In case of any kind of depression consulting doctor and taking proper treatment is important. Apart from taking drugs, Yoga, exercises, reviving hobbies can be of a great help. Government needs to include mental health in syllabus too, so that the child can be aware of it in early stages.
Trust that your current situation is not your final destination. Fight like a hero and as batman says a hero can be anyone; you can be a hero by fighting your own disabilities and inspire others.
