More than 40 per cent celebrities and actors suffer from depression: Dr Pranav Kabra

MUMBAI: The controversial suicides of celebrities and actors like Pratyusha Banerjee, Jiah Khan, Sushant Singh Rajput and more recently Vaishali Thakkar, not to forget several lesser known actors and models has from time to time brought up the cruel subject of depression among the film and modeling industry.

Now, according to a study conducted by the Raksha Hospital Research Forum, which is part of the Raksha Multispecialty Hospital in suburban Malad, Mumbai, more than 40 per cent of celebrities, models and actors suffer from some form of depression and this applies to both males and females, but women are more susceptible to chronic depression.

Dr Pranav Kabra, MD of the Raksha Multispecialty Hospital who moderated the study, while reacting to the recent suicide of Tv actor Vaishali Thakkar claimed that constant mental, emotional and psychological harassment can also lead to chronic depression.

Peer pressure, over expectations from friends, family and society, failure to meet others’ expectations can also lead to depression over time.

Dr Kabra opines that even weather changes or a change in season, less daylight, continuous cloudy or rainy weather, abrupt change in location and lifestyle or place of residence and factors like lack of sunlight can lead to SAD or seasonally affected disorder and is more than just feeling blue or lacking energy on cold winter or rainy days.

It involves persistent, pervasive symptoms of depression and can lead to worse situations over time.

Celebrities and actors are under great pressure to live up to societal expectations on various fronts that include a certain physique and looks, lifestyle, demeanor and behavior, etc., and when things do not work out as expected it more often than not leads to temporary depression.

This in turn leads to more permanent and chronic forms of depression if not handled properly at the right time, opines Dr Kabra.

Some symptoms of depression

One may feel angry or disappointed or low experience low self esteem or feel disappointed and helpless with yourself or in other people. You may feel you no longer have control over your own life and surroundings. Feeling low, lacking energy and drive are all symptoms of some form of depression.

Who can suffer from depression?

Age is not a deciding factor and even if you are 8 or 80 you could get depressed, but the symptoms are definitely different depending on the patients age. Persistent or recurring depression if not handled properly leads to a major depressive disorder.

What happens when you are depressed?

According to Dr Kabra, when you are depressed you may lose interest in normal daily activities, exhibit a persistent lack of energy and have trouble concentrating, even on simple things. These are some signs of depression, a mood disorder also referred to as clinical depression or major depressive disorder and manic depression or bipolar disorder, which is characterized by extreme mood swings.