The silent struggle of anxiety & depression | Ayesha Abdul Raoof | TEDxSolitaireGlobalSchoolsAttapur

Mental Health Awareness - Mental health struggles are often hidden behind a smile [3] - The World Health Organization indicates that over 280 million people globally suffer from depression and anxiety [3] - Depression can manifest as an absence of feeling, numbness, and a lack of joy [5] - Anxiety can present as physical symptoms like sweaty palms, nausea, and chest tightness [7] Impact on Specific Groups - The World Health Organization reports that one in seven teenagers globally are diagnosed with a mental disorder [8] - Adolescence is characterized by competition, comparison, and expectations, leading to academic pressure and cyberbullying [8][10] - Older adults may experience mental health issues due to grief, chronic illness, feeling invisible, or retirement [13][14] Social Media and Society - Social media is linked with loneliness, poor sleep, and depression due to comparison and the pursuit of perfection [16] - Society's judgment can hinder healing, and prioritizing it over well-being can lead to an illusion [20] - Generational, parental, and societal traumas contribute to mental health struggles [21][23][25] Solutions and Recommendations - Therapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy and art therapy, can help reframe destructive thoughts and add color to emotions [31][32] - Mindfulness, journaling, sleep, nutrition, and exercise are essential for reducing anxiety and depression [33][35] - Vulnerability is a strength, and accepting that one is not okay is a step towards healing and humanity [36][37]