"YOU LOOK DEPRESSED" : THE JOKE ON MENTAL HEALTH

–Tiasa Santra

"Why do you look so depressed?" "I'm traumatized "- these phrases have become really common to hear. The most serious psychological terms and mental health issues are being used very casually nowadays, especially on social media.

I've heard people say , "I'm depressed," over a minor inconvenience. Having low energy, being tired, or sitting quietly doesn't necessarily mean someone is depressed. Actual depression is not just a bad mood but a complex mental health disorder. Only those who have truly experienced depression can understand what it feels like. It can be exhausting, overwhelming , and an isolating experience that affects your energy, motivation, and even physical health.

"Stop being so autistic and talk to people,” "That was so autistic of him to say that.” The word 'autistic' is an overused slang term for anyone being 'awkward, ' 'weird,' or 'obsessed' about something, mostly used as an insult or a joke. Autism is REAL. Autism is a neuro-developmental disorder where individuals may have difficulty in social communication and interaction and may also have different patterns of behaviour, learning, and attention. But it has nothing to do with being awkward.

If you like things organized, you might hear comments like , " You 've got OCD. " In a clinical context, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a serious condition that involves unwanted thoughts (obsessions) that cause distress and repetitive actions (compulsions) performed to reduce intense anxiety. Some of us have a few compulsive habits, but not all of us have OCD. OCD is a real disorder that is way more serious than we think.

The casual use of these mental health terms has become a trend. One of the reasons most people have started using them is social media. People use these terms to appear relatable or humorous because others on the internet are doing so. And this does affect our mindset and understanding of mental health issues. It is clear that for most people , there is a lack of education and awareness about such problems. These kinds of comments trivialize serious mental health conditions, and people who have experienced or are going through them are not taken seriously because, according to some, everyone has a little bit of it, so it's okay. IT'S NOT! Whenever a person tries to share their struggle, someone from the crowd remarks, "Oh come on! We all feel that way ; it's not a big deal." It also creates stereotypes and misconceptions about mental illnesses. This dismisses the struggles of the ones genuinely facing these problems and does not allow open conversations about mental well-being and stands as a significant reason why many refrain from seeking the care they need.

It's time to recognize the power of words, their impact and how a small oversight can affect someone struggling with mental health and be more mindful of what we speak.