Depression: Popular comedians tell why one must speak out

 

Depression is a mental illness, and it does not discriminate. It can happen to anyone at anytime.
 

In fact, the theme for this year’s World Health Day is Depression.  According to WHO (World Health Organisation),  “Depression is the leading cause of ill health and disability worldwide. It is estimated that there are over 300 million living with depression, an increase of more than 18% between 2005 and 2015.” These statistics are truly alarming. WHO believes that this rise is due to “lack of support coupled with fear of stigma prevent people from accessing the treatment to lead healthy and productive lives.”

Recently, a 23-year-old Mumbai student, Arjun Bhardwaj, recorded his last moments on social media, before committing suicide.

This shocking incident prompted popular Indian comedians to speak about  depression. 
 

AIB’s Tanmay Bhat, Biswa Kalyan Rath, Mallika Dua, and EIC’s Sahil Shah among others took to social media to not only give words of positive encouragement and hope to their large fan base. 
 

Some of them also spoke of their personal experiences battling depression.

 

Biswa Kalyan Rath:   
 

You can read his post here, also.

 

Mallika Dua also said, “Life sucks most days and it has nothing to do with what and how much you've got going for you. Understand that and act upon it. Please seek mental help. It's as important as any other form of medical care. Just give that a chance even if you don't want to give yourself another one. There's people and medicines out there to MAKE SURE you feel better. A lot of times you may not even realise what's making you feel and act the way you are. Chemical imbalance is almost entirely correctible. You are very very valuable to your family and loved ones. Please don't put them and yourself through this. Reach out for professional help if you sense something is wrong. It's normal. You are normal. Please dont let anything and anyone make you feel otherwise. Don't end your life. There's more to it than you think. Hold on to it for the ones that love you. It will get better. Treat it like a stomach ache. You would take a medicine for it right? If it persists, you would see a doctor right? It's the same thing, except the brain is even more important than the stomach. Probably the most important of them all. This too shall pass.”

 

Not only did East Indian Comedy’s Sahil Shah tweet about it...

It's not about promotion.
It's about what led to it.
People don't need your sympathy.
They need your understanding.

Grow up. https://t.co/BkYwBYjwWF

— Sahil Shah (@SahilBulla) April 5, 2017

....he spoke about his personal battle with depression. You can read it here.

 

Vir Das had this to say: 
 

The suicide at Taj was tragic. A kid's battle against depression can be eased if friends know how to help. Do read. https://t.co/CzYxaDlFZM

— Vir Das (@thevirdas) April 4, 2017

AIB’s Tanmay Bhat, too,  posted a video on social media.