WHO has stated that depression is one of the leading causes of disability in the world, affecting more than 300 million people.

Where are those people? Depression is present in all socio-economic groups and educational levels – it can affect anyone. Which means that chances are you have people who are depressed at your workplace, in your apartment building, studying with you, working out with you at the gym or standing alongside you as you wait to pick up your children from school. Perhaps within your home, and maybe….you yourself could be depressed.

This is an issue that has been tucked away and ignored over the years especially so in traditional societies like ours. That doesn’t take away the fact that depression is prevalent and on the increase, yes even in India.

But in today’s busy world, where everyone must fend for themselves, whose pain is it? If someone else is suffering from depression or could be heading there, is it anyone else’s responsibility besides the concerned person?

Depression affects us all. It affects productivity in the workplace. At work or outside, it can result in errors and faulty decisions that affect not just the person but others who depend on them. It can impact family life. And sadly, it drastically increases the risk of suicide, which in our country is most prevalent among the younger population.

Yes, it is the individuals’ responsibility to take care of themselves. But we must remember that depression is an illness, like any other illness, it is not just a matter of using more will power to get over it. It is highly treatable, but the reality is that the person affected may not seek help. Let’s look at why this is so.

Signs not recognised 

We are taught very little about mental health, so most people just do not recognize depression for what it is. Psychiatrists, psychologists, counsellors and social workers who can identify it, are woefully inadequate in numbers. The person suffering from depression and their loved ones may not recognize the signs. Managers or teachers are likely to see evidence at the workplace or educational institution, but are unaware of its significance.

Fear of consequences
If a depressed person seeks help, there is the very real fear of being judged negatively, of being thought ‘mad’ at worst or ‘weak’ at best. They fear ostracism by friends, impact on career progression at work, ridicule at college, lack of acceptance and ‘concern for the family name’ at home.

Lack of awareness
Even if someone realizes that they have a problem and are motivated enough to get help, they may have no idea where to go. The family doctor would have been an ideal start, but are there family doctors any more? And if there are, are they sensitive to disorders that affect the mind rather than the body? Who else in one’s environment can provide this information?

Inability to act
One of the characteristics of depression is an extreme lack of energy and motivation. Even doing the smallest of tasks can seem overwhelming. That is hardly the state in which a person will look up a mental health professional, fix an appointment, keep the appointment and comply with treatment.

In other words, the odds are stacked against a depressed person seeking help on their own.

Whose pain is it? It’s ours – managers, co-workers, family, friends, neighbours, teachers – we are all responsible.

What can you do?

Learn. For a start, make yourself aware of the signs and symptoms of depression. Read up, attend talks, get to know as much as possible.

Spread the message. The WHO has created amazing simple handouts – print them out, put them up in your office, your school or college, your apartment, the local shop… If you have the authority to do so, arrange for sessions by experts to train people to identify the signs in themselves and others. A better understanding will lead more people to seek help.

Observe. We are all so caught up in our own worlds that sometimes we hardly notice others around us. Is there a change in appearance or behavior. Is there an unexplained deterioration in performance?

Ask. If someone seems to be down, ask them how they are, and really listen.

Guide. Encourage them to seek professional help if it seems to be required. Help them find a source of help, help schedule the appointment, even offer to accompany them to see the professional.

Make a start. Your efforts might seem small, but every bit counts.

It’s our pain.