ADDREENA ISHAK

2019883714
04/06/2020
GROUNDWORK
MC242S2A

THE AGE OF THE DEPRESSED YOUNG: DOES OUR YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH IS IN NEED OF
IMMEDIATE HELP? BY ADDREENA ISHAK

ARE YOUNG PEOPLE FALLING RIGHT INTO THE DARK ABYSS

Imagine stubborn and loud voices emitting an endless stream of negativity like a heavy rain cloud of
cynical thoughts following yourcevery move. For people living with depression, it can be difficult to
describe to others what it actually feels like.

If it was a disease similar to cancer affecting young Malaysians, or a chronic physical illness, maybe we
would witness a different outlook. Recent research points to countless of causes, manyuoverlapping
in distinct less developed countries often with the absence of infrastructure to gather information
regarding depression, and are less likely to identify it as an illness.

Mental health is a significant topicowithin and beyondothe Malaysian context. According to the data
gathered from the 2017 National Healthoand Morbidity Survey explained that 29 per cent of
Malaysiansmsuffered from depression and anxiety disorders, a rise from 12 per cent in 2011.

At present, Malaysians especially university students dealing with mental health problems may
remain quiet in professional or social settings to avoid any stigma and taboo. Depression among
university students is extremely prevalent and widespread problem and we should be wary as mental
illness is expected to be the second biggest health problem in Malaysia after heart disease by the end
of this year.

THERE IS NO ONE REASON FOR DEPRESSION

Have you ever wondered what is the reason young Malaysians are facing depression or interacted
with someone depressed and noticed a blank look in their eyes, or a general lack oforesponsiveness? I
am willing to bet they would love to give you a genuine reply to your question, but in that moment
their mind is filled with empty thoughts with nothing to give.

It is impossible to identify one particular cause for depression among university students, as there are
various different triggers. New surroundings and overwhelming classes made in the wake of
newfound freedom can be what pushes students past their breaking point. Moving and acclimating to
a new environment or academic system can be disruptive and stressful especially when they find
themselves struggling with a lack of a support system.

There is also the issue of some students getting their first taste of the "real world" after living with
parents who have paved their way. Not knowing if they'll have a job after school, where they will live,
and how they'll pay the bills can be a weight on students as they go through school. The sense of
uncertainty surrounding choosing a major or feeling without direction or inspiration, especially when
the student’s friends all seem like they found their calling, can certainly lead to depression.

University life, with its late nights, parties, cramming sessions, and cafeteria food can make keeping a
healthy lifestyle a challenge. Depression is also strongly associated with substance use and abuse.
While the college atmosphere often encourages partying, students who do so excessively can be led
to high-risk behaviors, mental health problems and depression.

Anxiety problems can often occur in conjunction with, or prior to, depression, but it is possible to
have one without the other. One of the crucial things to remember with both depression and anxiety
is that they are self-reinforcing, meaning that they can lead to vicious cycles that continually spiral out
of control if nothing is done to address them.

HOW TO BE WELL AND STAY WELL BY YOURSELF?

Some anxiety can motivate you or help yo respond to danger. However, if you have ongoing anxiety
that interferes with daily activities and makes it hard to enjoy life, then anxiety can be a problem.

But there remains a widespread misunderstanding of the illness, particularly the persistent trope that
people with depression should just “buck up”, or “get out more”. What might happen if you worked
with your anxiety, not against it?

It is possible to be well and stay well by yourself that can benefit you to reduce stress and anxiety in
the most creative and involve little to no use of money for such activities. Here are some ways to
experience normal sadness in a healthy way and to allow this emotion to enrich your life.

Allow yourself to be sad. Denying such feelings may force them underground, where they can do
more damage with time. Cry if you feel like it. Notice if you feel relief after the tears stop. Think and
write about the context of the sad feelings. It's usually not as simple as discovering the cause of the
sadness, but understanding why you're sad and exploring those feelings can help you feel better.

Be kind to yourself. This may include a hot bubble bath, indulging in a nap, or splurging for some
really good chocolate. Let yourself laugh. Fire up a favorite comedy and binge watch it for a while, or
find a funny YouTube video.

Remember that sadness can result from a change that you didn't expect, or it can signal the need for
a change in your life. Change is usually stressful, but it is necessary for growth. If you're sad because
you need to change something, think about the steps you can change to make your life more joyful.

KNOWING THE DIFFERENCE

Unlike depression, which is persistent and longer-lasting, sadness is temporary and transitory.
Sadness can, however, turn into depression. Being able to tell the difference between normal sadness
and depression might encourage you to take action and seek resources for an improved mood.

If you experience these, you may feel inclined to just "tough it out" and wait until it passes. However,
the earlier you recognize these signs, the sooner you can seek help and change your situation

Even if you only have a few of the depression warning signs, it is worth learning more about
depression and discovering ways of preventing it from getting worse. Managing stress levels and
dealing with early signs of depression is very important for everyone’s mental health.

If someone has a broken leg, they can say, hey, I need some help getting to class each day. But if
you’re mentally ill, it’s much more difficult to ask for help. There’s all this blame, and people don’t
want to speak to you because it makes them uncomfortable.

There is no better time than right now to start talking, listening, and most of all understanding.