How many times have we flippantly heard (or even said), “I’m so depressed” around us? “Depressed” has become code for being sad, feeling lazy, possessing an inexplicable sense of ennui, or even disappointment after a minor inconvenience.
But one has to stop and ponder whether using such a term so frivolously reduces its severity? As a community, we have made substantial strides in tackling the taboo of mental health around us. Conversations around mental health may have gained a seat at the table, but the space does not guarantee attention or priority.
Curious to know what the consensus surrounding these questions is, Masala decided to speak to some qualified individuals on their thoughts.
Some signs that a person may be struggling emotionally can include noticeable changes in their regular patterns, habits, and behaviour. For example, they may have difficulty sleeping or begin sleeping excessively and eat significantly less or a lot more than usual.
They may also appear more isolated, less engaged in conversations, and lose interest in activities they once enjoyed. Sometimes, individuals may even have difficulty regulating their emotions. These changes can indicate signs of emotional distress, even if the person does not outrightly express it.
Stress is often normalised as part of daily life and thus, emotional distress can be overlooked or minimised. Many people may feel uncomfortable expressing vulnerability, so they choose to internalise their struggles in an attempt to appear as though they are coping well.
When someone opens up, it is important to listen without judgment and respond with empathy. Simple statements such as “I’m here for you,” or “Let me know how I can support you” help the person feel heard.
It is important to avoid comments like “Other people have it worse,” or “You’re overthinking this,” as these can invalidate the person’s experience and discourage them from opening up further.
Reducing the stigma around seeking emotional support, particularly among older generations, so there can be a greater understanding and acceptance of their children and grandchildren.
I believe community-based mental health education can play an important role in initiating this shift. Workshops held at temples or community spaces regarding topics on emotional wellbeing, somatic approaches, stress management, or emotional awareness can help normalise conversations around mental health in an approachable and culturally familiar setting.
These workshops, if facilitated by Thai-Indian mental health practitioners, can help bridge understanding between generations while making support feel more accessible.
Nazar, knowledge, and fear.
The Thai-Indian community can be very small, very close, and sometimes very watchful. There is a feeling that everyone knows everyone and your struggles may not be private. That makes it difficult for people to admit when they are not okay, because the fear is not just “What am I feeling?” but also “What will people think?” and “What will people say?”
The second is knowledge. Many of us spend most of our lives doing rather than being. We move quickly from one responsibility to the next, dismissing feelings as they come up, and not giving ourselves enough space to understand what is happening inside of us.
A lot of people cope by staying busy, overworking, drinking, scrolling, or constantly distracting themselves. This has become so normal, many people may not even recognise they’re carrying emotional distress.
Fear is the part that is often overlooked. Some people immediately take others to the hospital when they are sick, but when struggling themselves, they minimise it, avoid it, or tell themselves it’s not that serious.
It takes bravery to look closely at your own pain, because sometimes you already know there is a problem, but you’re scared of what you might find if you sit with it for too long.
I love this question. From a neuroscience perspective, when the body feels under threat, it releases stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. This can reduce access to the part of the brain involved in logic, reasoning, and decision-making.
By design, the brain becomes less focused on logic and more focused on survival. The body is trying to prepare us for danger before we even have a chance to fully process what’s happening. Today, that might be anything from financial pressure to a phone call that makes your body feel unsafe.
As a result, emotional distress is downplayed as “just stress” because we forget what stress actually is.
You cannot always think your way out of emotional distress because that part of your brain is directly impacted by the stressor. Your brain and body are prioritising safety over logic.
What someone often needs first is to feel safe enough to come back into connection. Being understood, believed, and emotionally met can be deeply regulating. A calm voice, warmth, and simple words like “That makes sense,” or “I can understand why that would feel so overwhelming,” can help someone’s nervous system feel less alone in what it is carrying.
Ask. Follow up. Give them space to process. Be around. Reach out. Don’t crowd them. Let them reach out to you.
There is no single right answer, because people respond to crises very differently. Some people need to be surrounded by others; some people need to disappear for a while and process things privately; some people need to be angry, to vent, to shout, to cry. Most people will do a bit of everything.
The best answer I can give is to ask. “Is there anything I can help you with?” “Is there anything you need from me?” “Would you like company or would you rather have some space?”
These questions seem simple, but they matter. Often, people in crisis feel lost, untethered, out of control, or under immense stress. One of the most supportive things we can do is not assume we know what they need. Instead, we can ask, listen, and keep showing up.