Play tackles stigma, superstitions surrounding depression

New Delhi: On the occasion of the World Health Day, an enlightening play was performed here today to fight the superstitions and stigma surrounding depression - the leading cause of disability and ill health worldwide.

The play 'Avsaad Aao Baat Kare (Depression Let's Talk)' - presented at the Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital in New Delhi - depicts major organs of the body in human form and accusing each other of being depressed.

Eventually, the organs realise that the brain - the king of all organs - is depressed.

At first the brain turns to a 'tantric', who tries to cure the depression with 'black magic'. However, this makes the depression worse, causing the brain to attempt suicide multiple times.

Finally an old caretaker and a friend takes the patient to the psychiatrist, where psychological first aid, counselling and yoga helps the patient recover from the disorder.

"Depression is increasing because our lifestyle is changing, and people feel of helpless and worthless when they do not have enough caretakers or friends," Dr Sagar Borker, from the

Department of Preventive and Social Medicine at the RML Hospital told PTI.

"Technology has created a virtual world which is too fast for people to cope up. People are not happy with their life achievements and demands," said Borker, who wrote and directed the play to spread awareness about depression.

"Integrating religion yoga exercise and psychologist treatment is a holistic approach to treat depression," Borker said.

Depression is the leading cause of ill health and disability worldwide. According to the latest estimates from World Health Organisation (WHO), over 300 million people are now living with depression, an increase of more than 18 per cent between 2005 and 2015.

The estimates were released in the lead-up to World Health Day on 7 April, the high point in WHO's year-long campaign "Depression: let's talk".

Lack of support for people with mental disorders, coupled with a fear of stigma, prevent many from accessing the treatment they need to live healthy, productive lives.

"The continuing stigma associated with mental illness was the reason why we decided to name our campaign Depression: let's talk," said Dr Shekhar Saxena, Director of the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse at WHO.

"For someone living with depression, talking to a person they trust is often the first step towards treatment and recovery," said Saxena.

"People are seeking help nowadays. The days of psychiatric treatment being considered as a stigma are gone to a certain extent, but not completely," according to Borker.

Depression is a common mental illness characterised by persistent sadness and a loss of interest in activities that people normally enjoy, accompanied by an inability to carry out daily activities, for 14 days or longer.

On spotting such symptoms, Borker advises friends and family members of patients to contact a psychiatrist, a health worker or a counsellor.