Depression in youth on the rise in hyderabad city

Hyderabad: Depression in students has become a major concern across the nation. One out of every four school-going teens in the age group of 13 to 15 years suffer from depression, according to a latest study by the World Health Organization (WHO) 2016-18. Of late, the number of depression-related cases is growing alarmingly, say child psychologists.

This year in April, when the state Intermediate results were announced, more than 19 students of Inter 1st and 2nd year committed suicide. The thought of public shaming has been cited as a major reason for students taking such extreme steps.

Dr Purnima Nagaraja, a Mental Health Professional at Dhrishti Wellness clinic, says, "The use of gadgets is resulting in less social interaction which is leading to a generation gap between the parents and children.

According to a research by the National Institute of Nutrition (NIN), mental stress of the children between the ages of 13 and 15 can affect their appetite. Mental stress leads to less intake of food leading to malnutrition, says the research.

"We studied around 20 private schools in the city and found that when children are under mental stress they prefer not to eat until they become normal and relaxed," said Dr A Laxmaiah, an epidemiologist and public health nutrition specialist at the NINa