Article Mashal Hussain MA Previous

Article 

Communication Barrier Causes Depression among Teenagers

Mashal  Hussain MA Previous

 Oftentimes, this issue has been discussed through different articles in various magazines, newspapers and books, since this is a social problem of grave concern and millions of people  across the globe are facing such traumas.  Yet, it is widely ignored and left unaddressed with special reference to third world developing countries where there is serious question mark on psychological well being of people.  

We all usually hear the word “depression”, which is derived from the Latin word “Depimere” that means  “pressing down”.  ‘Depression’ is widely misunderstood and misconceptualised term among majority of people. Most of times, they refer the meaning of ‘anxiety’ and ‘depression’ as similar, but of them have different psychological conditions and implications. According to famously known German psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud the ones who suffer from depression often portray similar symptoms like; nervousness, irritability, insomnia and other disorders. Sometimes, both of them are identified together.

Here are the primary psychological symptoms of depression and anxiety that help us to build a basic understanding 

Anxiety:

·         The fear of unknown, that what’s about to happen and what could happen in the future.

·         Complex thoughts that something could be uttered wrong around social circles.

·         Escaping from activities due to the lack of communicating properly and confidently e.g public speaking.

Depression:

·         Dominant feeling of sadness, distresses and hopelessness about future.

·         Lack of motivation and belief that positive things will not happen.

·         Consistent negative ideas for future and suicidal tendencies.

People facing anxiety usually caught in the uncertain feelings like something goes wrong and start worrying irrationally, while depressed ones mostly assume negative future and don’t expect anything right. Anxiety is somehow short term disorder;  it lasts approximately for a week . It transforms into depression when patient turns hopeless.

 Around 300 million people claimed to have been caught by depression across the world.  Agha Khan University’s research study (2005-2006) states 34pc Pakistan’s  population  suffers from Depression and Anxiety disorders, whereas,  Schizophrenia and Bipolar disorder falling between  1-2%  population.

Moreover, depression leads to suicide when it is not cured. Depression is a most common phenomenon among teenagers. After road accidents, the grave cause of death among 15-29 youth is increasing suicidal urges. The recent figure stated by a research that 13,000 to  14,000 Pakistani youth  committed suicide and  130,000 to 300,000 attempted it.

What causes depression among teens?

o   Changes in hormones may cause one trigger of depression.

o   Traumatic childhood events:  such as physical, emotional or sexual abuse;   death of a parent and divorce between parents.

o   Negative thinking developed by surroundings at the outset.

o   Chronic physical illness or disability.

o   Poor and malnutrition, unnatural routine

o   Low self esteem causes personality problems

o   Academic inferiority over grades.

o   Physical and emotional oppression, lack of parents’ concern.

o   Lack of communication

Lack of communication causes depression among teens.

Have we ever noticed when was the last time we left our Mobile phones in the rooms to give an attention to elders?  Giving an ear to grandma telling us  an interesting folk story  is perhaps carries less meaning than to upload  Snapchat stories.  And, when was the last time we preferred sharing our problems and pour the feelings out with parents rather than making them a Facebook statement? Thus, teens have turned out to be pathetic attention seekers that contribute above mentioned disorders to the core.

On the other hand, sometimes teens are the victims of mixed emotions and afraid of discussing them with parents because majority of parents react and start yelling at the child. Parents, at first place, need to work out on an mutual understanding with children. Psychological education for children by their parents to win the confidence of kids which envisages a well being future.  A safe side is needed to deal their problems, feelings, emotions and frustrations. And this is crucial where parents need to step forward and remove the communication barriers by involving more like a friend during their children’s childhood.