Various studies have found out that cases of depression and mental illness have increased exponentially in the recent past. Also, in the age group of 15-30 years, this problem is further pronounced. Furthermore, the rising trend of suicides in this age group has been attributed to depression. Given the situation, answer the following questions: (a) Present an ethical critique of the prevalent societal attitude towards mental illness. (b) Given the magnitude of the problem among younger generation/young adults, analyse the role of the following:

(a) It is seen that depression is not talked/shared by the victim due to low societal attitude towards mental illness-

i) Contempt & carelessness :- Mental health is not given due importance. Visiting a psychiatrist is considered taboo in society. ii) Social labelling, name calling & social ostracisation of the victim is done by society. This instead of solving her grief, in turn aggravates the problem. iii) Lack of awareness about mental health - instead of having highest cases of depression we don't know its early signs & treatment procedure. iv) Isolation :- The mentally ill person is generally isolated by not allowing her in family gatherings, her education is curtailed etc. v) lack of specialised doctors & adequate mental centres - is also due to lax societal attitude. vi) Post-treatment rehabilitation of such people & re-integration with society is also complex as society shows pity towards them instead of compassion & sympathy.

b) Magnitude of problem

1. Around 1 crore people suffering
2. This number set to rise due to

• nuclear families
• increase in competition, peer pressure
• lack of resilience
• erosion of love & care

1. Around 1 lakh practitioners & staff needed for this

In this scenario, role of following:-

i) Parenting :- a) first need of contact- should always be in touch of activities of children & their friends. b) No undue pressure of performance. c) Instead of focus on marks, celebrate uniqueness of every individual. d) Telling children that whatever happens they are with her

ii) Social Media :- a) Restriction of social media use by children or they can be allowed to access only educational sites under parental control. b) Online self-regulation by social media - Eg - Mark Zuckerberg coming forward to lament the miscarriage of his baby showed that not all pictures are perfect. c) Online awareness programs by social media. d) Regulation of social media so that people celebrate their imperfections.

iii) Gaming :- We recently witnessed children committing suicide in blue whale game and increase in addiction to PUBG. a) Games to be gender-sensitive - promoting ethical values instead of superimposing stereotypical behaviour. b) Games only for fun or education instead of getting addicted. c) should not lead to isolation & loneliness amongst children. d) Promote outdoor games. Eg - Pikachu game asking people to walk certain kilometres to win a pikachu.