How Depressed Became An Adjective Instead Of An Illness

By Shivani Sinha

Being “depressed” is the new normal now. It's sad how an illness has become an adjective. As teenagers we face a lot of changes in life be it physical, mental, or even environmental. As teenagers most times we don't comprehend our feelings and since depression has become a catchphrase these days we put all our negative feelings under this umbrella term. Almost every person you meet of this generation will be self-diagnosed with depression. Acute depression can lead to someone taking their own life, yet it is used so loosely. People with depression experience persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities they normally enjoy, and difficulties performing everyday tasks. It is completely different from being dissatisfied with your test marks or being sad about your friends not waiting for you while you tie your shoelace such feelings do not come under “being depressed”. To fit in or to look cool in front of our peers we diagnose ourselves with depression because nowadays we will do anything to follow trends.

By Shivani Sinha