Depression is a common mental disorder that seems to be a rising issue nowadays. It’s now a widely discussed topic that fills up news articles, social media feeds, and online videos.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it is the leading cause of ill health and disability worldwide, affecting more than 300 million people on a global scale.
Meanwhile in the Philippines, the Department of Health (DOH) revealed that 3.3 million Filipinos are suffering from depressive disorders.
Senator Risa Hontiveros also mentioned that one in five adult Filipinos has some form of mental or psychiatric disorder, recording the highest number of depressed people in Southeast Asia.
Depression isn’t a new topic. Studies about depression have been around for centuries. Previously, this topic may have been shunned, considered a weakness. And talked in whispers.
But now, there has been a rise in mental health cases and concerns. A larger number of people now openly discuss and recognize the issue, especially amongst the youth.
So, what is causing this “depression phenomenon” and why are we suddenly showing much interest in this topic?
According to WHO, this is often “characterized by persistent sadness and a loss of interest in activities, accompanied by an inability to carry out daily activities, for at least two weeks.”
Though it may be different for each person, people suffering from depression describe it as “the feeling of losing yourself” or “the constant feeling of being numb to your emotions”.
“I’ve seen depression and anxiety but not to the degree that we have now… It worries me,” Dr. Cornelio Banaag Jr. said at a parent-teacher seminar in Raya School. Having practiced this profession for over 50 years, the current psychiatrist and professor at the University of the Philippines College of Medicine continued to talk about the ongoing mental health crisis right now.
Born after the mid to late 1990s, post-millennials or Gen Zs is the generation that is most vulnerable, according to Banaag. A large number of these teens and young adults face depression, anxiety, and incidents of self-harm almost to a day-to-day basis. Incidents of self-harm and suicidal behavior highlight the need and availability for more mental health resources for the youth.
A handful of research also presents some evidence relating technology and social media to the mental health of children and teenagers. Growing up as “digital natives” with internet and smartphones, the current generation is more exposed to risk factors online. The increased exposure to the “perfect lifestyles” seen in social media posts and the prevalence of cyberbullying are only some examples. The use of technology is not directly linked to mental health concerns but it may trigger some other factors such as fatigue and chronic stress. This can lead to ineffective decision making and problem-solving abilities, breakdowns, and panic attacks.
Aside from technology, students of this generation are also affected by increased educational demand, pressure, and competition. The amount of homework, tasks, and activities that are placed upon them keep them restless and uneasy. Likewise, these academic stressors also affect a huge part of the mental health of a student.
WHO estimates that fewer than half of the people diagnosed with depression are actually getting treatment. Among those who actually seek treatment, it has been shown that most of them are under-treated and do not receive consistent treatments. Studies show that a combination of talk therapy and medication can be the most effective treatment for concerns like this.
However, the numbers say otherwise. It has been increasingly common to see medications being prescribed to young people but doctors say that they should be careful of solely relying on them for treatment. They indicate that people invest in medication but not in talking therapies, which are also crucial for proper treatment.
Even with the widespread availability of treatments and mental health services for depression, cases of mental health issues are still skyrocketing, even if they are supposedly be falling. While there has been an increased awareness regarding mental health, therapies and medications still remain insufficient in supply.
The approach to these types of concerns must be done in a collaborative manner – with parents, schools, education institutions, and mental health professionals. With the continuous support from these groups, it will be possible to reach out to many young adults and teens who are struggling with depression.
Whether this “depression phenomena” is real or simply overly emphasized, it’s quite true that there is some good that we can get out of this. As a globalized community, we’re starting to become more understanding and accepting of those who struggle with mental illnesses. People are no longer shunned and more of us have become more comfortable with sharing our pain with others.
Story by Eunso Im, Jazlyn Grace Ong and Elisha Rael Ordonez
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