Weep, the people...and help is at hand

While there are good days and bad days, you probably know of someone who has been under a gloomy spell for the longest. Before their plight goes unchecked, wouldn't you want to get in touch and help them hang in there? A volley of city-based celebrities are taking a similar route. In the wake of the harrowing suicide of Arjun Bhardwaj, a student of Narsee Monjee college, hailing from Bengaluru, who breathed his last, after posting a rather terrifying Facebook tutorial on how to do it; city-based public figures have decided to don the “doers” cap. In a candid chat, they talk to us about the measures they wish to employ in order to extend a helping hand to those in need...

“The depression scare is indeed real. Truth is, almost everyone of us would've suffered from the same. But how prompt is one in seeking help is what makes all the difference," begins Sneha Suhas, a popular  stand-up comedian, who goes on to add how a recent incident egged her on to be more receptive towards reaching out. "As an artiste who performs at gigs around town, I'm fortunate enough to also build a connect with the younger lot in Bengaluru. But what inspired me to be more open towards helping those who want a lending ear was a recent inbox message by a teenager who actually revealed how he was battling loneliness and depression. It was an eye-opener for two reasons.

Because it clearly reveals how in a social media rife world where one on an average boasts of hundreds of friends, there's ironically nobody you can count. The networking gives you an easy high, or a false sense of self belief. But, that's not what quite helps when you need help. While this instance propelled me to take charge, it's also made me wary of the superficial sense of happiness often found on our homepages. While I'm certain, I'd love to offer a lending ear to someone in trauma, let’s not forget that there are some boxes to be ticked before going ahead. Do remember to tag the person, and tweet your concern as it's not practical to expect responses through personal messages all the time.. Lastly, I recommend youngsters to find that someone in their inner circle whom they can confide in. As much as public figures would want to go the extra mile, let's not forget how you shouldn't hold entrust complete accountability to a stranger," she opines.  

Adding to how the need for  sharing is caring has come to the fore;  Sharmin Ali, an author and TED X Speaker, who has an active counselling forum on her official website adds, "Being someone who's been made fun off at various levels, I understand how it feels to be lonely, to have zero self esteem. But again, I believe nothing is worse than not seeking help. It's a healthy way forward to garner adequate support through celebrities, as I believe as public figures, we do have the moral responsibility to  help those in need, because the messages are conveyed more effectively, when there's a familiar face endorsing it. I plan on banking my connect with youngsters in town, to help them rid themselves of the Big D plague."

Expert speaks: Shyam Bhat, a  psychiatrist says, "We are in the beginnings of an epidemic of mental health issues and depression in this country. It's important for us as a country and society to start speaking openly about mental health issues, and particularly depression. So it's heartening to see that celebrities and role models are coming out with their stories of depression and how they overcame it. This will make it easier for people,  especially youngsters, to talk about what they're feeling and going through, and hopefully for families to offer more support. Deepika Padukone and The Live Love Laugh Foundation has encouraged people to reach out and we have noted an increase in the conversations about mental health since we launched two years.We hope to continue this work of awareness and destigmatisation to prevent the epidemic of depression."