Thanks for bringing the topic of depression up, Sarkozy jee. I am particularly aware of the depression impacting the individuals that come to the United States from a foreign country.

 Among Asian-American population like ours, depression is seen either as a psychological disorder, or an outcome of laziness. This is a terrible mentality that needs to be removed. This is because Depression is a real condition and it can happen to anyone. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, depression occurs when the feelings of sadness in a person “interferes with daily life, normal functioning, and causes pain for both the person with the disorder and those who care about him or her. (http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/depression/complete-publication.shtml).

 The Doctors you mentioned above should probably seek medical attention, especially since they, according to you, are being pulled into the dependence on drugs. But the thing is, they would not go by themselves, because of the poor attitude that says “Depression bha ko manche bahula ho.” So if you, or anyone you know, is showing symptoms of depression, you should probably talk to them to maybe go see the doctor, because depression CAN be removed with proper medication and care.

 Here are the symptoms of depression according to the NIMH Article:

• Persistent sad, anxious or "empty" feelings
• Feelings of hopelessness and/or pessimism
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness and/or helplessness
• Irritability, restlessness
• Loss of interest in activities or hobbies once pleasurable, including sex
• Fatigue and decreased energy
• Difficulty concentrating, remembering details and making decisions
• Insomnia, early–morning wakefulness, or excessive sleeping
• Overeating, or appetite loss
• Thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts
• Persistent aches or pains, headaches, cramps or digestive problems that do not ease even with treatment

If there have been attempts at suicide, or talks about it, please PLEASE PLEASE act upon it. Being a good friend is letting your friend live, and not see them die because you did not tell anyone that they were going to commit suicide!

Hope this helps. I’m a mauri ko doctor, so I can only do so much. But I’ll do my best.