Page 63 - Magazine 2020-2021 Final.cdr

Depression & Work From Home: A New Challenge

MS. NAVEENA SURESH (ASSISTANT PROFESSOR)

‘Depression has no face. Be kind even to smiling faces'. I came across these words recently on a social media
platform which aptly explains how everyone tries to hide their inner problems and worries and bring a smile to their
face. Today's stressful environment plays a major role in making a person moody, tense, frustrated, tired and
diffident. This pandemic has in fact worsened the condition. The medical support system throughout the world has
opened help lines and toll free numbers to guide people to overcome this tense state of mind. There are several
causes of depression which could be originating from various reasons such as family history; early childhood
problems; brain structure; medical conditions; drug consumption; financial instability; the death of a near and dear
one; work-life imbalance; job insecurity etc.
While WFH was initially it was a boon for people it gradually opened its chest of banes. The mental health and
productivity of employees was badly affected; people started facing social isolation which is an uncomfortable
situation; excessive use of digital devices may have virtually connected people, but it actually disconnected them
giving rise to anxiety, tension and stress; job termination and pay cuts became common; online work implied all
time availability; long hours on the computer gave rise to dryness of eyes, backaches and weight gain and even in
some cases domestic abuse and violence as a result of overexposure in relationships.

Hopefully, the worst has passed, but it's after effects may take a long time to be overcome. Support from
organizations is the need of the hour. A positive environment at the workplace, yoga and meditation, psychological
assistance and counseling, recreation and entertainment, open communication channels sharing experiences and
extending care and planning out happy hours can help to triumph over troubled times. Every organization and every
individual needs to extend support. After all, “The show must go on” and “This too will pass away”.

This Is Me – A Reection of the Society That I Belong to

Dhruvi Wani (M.A. CJ - First Year)

They look at me And I get conscious Is it the outfit that I'm wearing?
Or the confident SMILE on my face That is making them so suspicious?

Sometimes I tell myself, No it's not the people Nor their stares
It's the constant taunts and fake concerns That advise you to be always self-aware.

Even if they're not judging or Passing any hurtful comments,
You can probably tell it from their eyes What is running through their mind
Is it your character evaluation or a baseless judgement.

Is this normal? Or is it supposed to be considered okay?
Because from all the experiences that I have had
Nothing can justify what all came my way.

Since the dream for a better world
Is going to take some while
Why can't we just ride our way to freedom 2020
Wearing a confident, yet pretty SMILE. HINDUJA HORIZONS 2021 53