MENTAL HEALTH WEEK It is essential to identify depression early, say docs

Mumbai: The police have said that Varsha Bhosle, daughter of renowned signer Asha Bhosle, attempted suicide at least twice before she succeeded on Monday morning. The number of attempts itself suggest that she was suffering from a mental illness such as depression, said doctors.      "This was a violent suicide that indicates intense turmoil,'' said Dr Shubhangi Parkar, who heads the psychiatry department at KEM Hospital in Parel. But the underlying message, said the doctors, is the continued lack of awareness about mental illness, especially its diagnosis and treatment, and the need to quickly change things. "It is an irony that this suicide took place on the first day of the Mental Health Week whose theme is to spread awareness about depression,'' Dr Parkar said.      Doctors say that there is little awareness about the fact that people should be more alert while dealing with depressed individuals. "The risk of suicide is higher in mentally ill persons compared to the normal population. Family members and friends should be alert while dealing with mentally ill people, especially about matters causing stress that could act as a trigger for suicidal thoughts,'' she added.      Psychiatrist Dr Kersi Chavda from Hinduja Hospital in Mahim said 20% of the population is depressed at some time of their life. "A large number of those depressed will attempt suicide,'' he said, adding that suicide is commonest in the adolescent age group, followed by those in the 40-45 age group and then the geriatric population who feel neglected.      In India, 372 people commit suicide daily. The National Crime Records Bureau shows that 73 of these daily suicides occur due to illnesses. "The increasing number of suicides indicates that it is a worrisome public health problem,'' Dr Chavda added.      Dr Harish Shetty from Hiranandani Hospital in Powai said, "The need is to identify depression early. Family and friends have to pick up the signs: if a person has suddenly become quieter or sad or a teenager complains about a bodyache for which there is no apparent medical reason."      "The key is to talk to people who are depressed. They have to be assured that it's easy to treat depression. There are many who have sought treatment and are continuing with their daily work,'' said Dr Shetty. He said depressed individuals should be encouraged to take up tasks such as exercise or yoga and even learn to sleep extra. "Those who are depressed should be told to share their feelings with others.''