SJMC Script

I AM A WINNER: Radio Documentary

by Priyanka Mukherji and Eshita Tiwari
Announcement: This is Radio Styavani. Now we present a radio
documentary: I am a winner. The programme has been
produced jointly by two young Apeejay Stya University students of
Journalism, Eshita Tiwari and Priyanka Mukherji.
Music (fades under)
# Band
Newsreader: India is the most depressed country in the world,
according to World Health Organisation. In a global study, the
WHO says that India recorded the highest rate of major
depression in the world, at 36 per cent. According to WHO, India is
going through unprecedented social and economic change, which
often brings depression in its wake. Based on interviews with
89,000 people, the study shows that women are twice as likely to
suffer depression as men.
Presenter: That was an excerpt from a WHO report published in
2011.
Hello, I am Eshita Tiwari, 2nd year student of BJMC at the School of
Journalism and Mass Communication, Apeejay Stya University, in
the Indian city of Gurgaon.
In May 2014, along with my class mate, Priyanka Mukherji, I set
out to find out whether the situation regarding depression has
changed in India since the publication of the 2011 WHO report. In
2011, the report claimed that nearly 10 million people in India
were depressed. During our investigation, what we discovered
was quite disturbing.
# Band 2: Dr. Vipul Rastogi

Presenter: That was Dr. Vipul Rastogi from Medanta, one of Indias
largest multi-super specialty institutes of medical sciences. An
associate Consultant in Behavioural Neurology and Psychiatry, Dr.
Rastogi has also worked as a Consultant Psychiatrist with the
National Health Service of the UK. Now lets hear what Prof T.M
Luhrmann from the anthropology department of Stanford
University, California. In an article Is the World More Depressed?
for New York Times, she writes:
# Band
Ive been in and out of India for years, but on a recent visit to
Chennai, in the state of Tamil Nadu, it seemed that suicide and
depression had become part of the social conversation in a way
that was once taboo.
Rangaswamy Thara, a psychiatrist and director of the
Schizophrenia Research Foundation there, described this shift:
Someone fails his exams, so he commits suicide. He is rebuked
by his father, so he commits suicide. At the same time, there
seem to be many more people in Chennai seeking help for
emotional and psychiatric problems than there were 10 years
ago, Dr. Thara said.
Presenter: That was an excerpt from the New York Times article by
Prof. Luhrmann published on 24th May 2014.
The rise of depression in India has been covered by the Indian
Media too. Writing for the Times of India, Nikita Mehta says in a
report published on 14th May:
# Band
Depression is the top cause of illness and disability among those
aged between 10 and 19. Suicide is the third-most common cause
of death in the age group, according to the World Health
Organization (WHO).

Studies have shown that half of those who develop mental

disorders first show symptoms by the age of 14. If adolescents
with mental health problems get the care they need, one can
prevent deaths and lifelong suffering.
More than 2,000 people under 14 years committed suicide in
India in 2012. The highest rate of suicides was in the ages
between 14 and 29 years. One of the top three reasons for the
suicides was mental and other illnesses.
Presenter: The Times of India Report.
There is strong evidence to suggest that depression is a huge
problem in India.
So, lets try to understand; What is depression? How does it feel
to be depressed?
# Band Student 1
PRESENTER: That was a young student who would like to remain
anonymous.
The WHO says that the average age of depression in India is
about 32 years, compared to 19 years in China.
Depression has been described as a mental disorder,
characterized by sadness, loss of interest or pleasure, feelings of
guilt or low self-worth, disturbed sleep or appetite, feelings of
tiredness, and poor concentration.
DR. Vipul Rastogi from Medanta:
# BAND 3 Dr. Vipul Rastogi on what is depression
Presenter: Dr. Vipul Rastogi. There are different types of
depressive conditions. Symptoms can range from relatively minor
but they can still create a very serious situation.
So it is helpful to be aware of the range of conditions and their
specific symptoms.

Dr. Saurabh Mehrotra, a Consultant Psychiatrist at the Medanta

Division of Mental Health in Gurgaon, believes there are various
factors causing depression.
# Band 4 Dr Saurabh Mehrotra Talks about -symptoms & Causes
.
Presenter: Dr. Saurbah Mehrotra. Psychiatrists like Dr. Mehrotra
say that when you have depression, it interferes with daily life
and causes pain for both- you and those who care about you.
According to experts, Depression is a common but serious illness.
Adolescence can be a very turbulent and difficult time, even for
the well-adjusted teens. Depression strikes teenagers and adults
alike, and can have far-reaching implications when young people
suffer from emotional difficulties that they arent sure how to
manage.
# Band 5 Student 1 story
Presenter: Depression is a common experience. We have all felt
'depressed' when a friend has cold shouldered us. Broken hearts,
Cheating in relationships, misunderstandings in marriage, tussles
with teenage children - sometimes we feel 'down' for no reason at
all. But how do we actually diagnose depression?
# Band 6 Dr. Saurabh Mehrotra on diagnosis
Presenter: That was Dr. Saurabh Mehrotra. One can start feeling
depressed about anything and everything. Be it a huge loss like a
demise of a loved one or a petty fight with friends. Heres what
she felt depressed about.
# Band 7 Student 2 story.
Presenter: A young student sharing her experience of depression.
According to the WHO study, while around 9% of people in India
reported having an extended period of depression within their
lifetime, nearly 36% suffered from what is called Major Depressive

Episode- MDE. Eminent Psychiatrist Dr Jitender Nagpal from

VIMHANS writes in an article:
# Band Nagpal voiced by
"Depression can arise from day-to-day activities. However, Major
depressive episode is much more serious. This is the feeling of
tremendous helplessness, and worthlessness. Planned suicide is
highest among those suffering from Major depressive episode.
Those suffering from Major depressive episode don't have the
strength to conduct day-to-day chores and become
dysfunctional."
Presenter: Those were Dr. Jitendra Nagpals views on depression.
Youngsters recall that they have done bizarre things when they
were depressed. And, some of those things were life-threatening.
# Band 8 Student suicide
Presenter: A young student sharing her deep thoughts.
Theres a popular quote by someone unknown; Depression is like
a war. Either you win or die trying.
However, if there is illness there is cure. Dr. Saurabh Mehrotra
from Medanta.
# Band 9: Dr. Mehrotra talks about treatment
Presenter: Dr.Saurabh Mehrotra . Medicines, doctors and therapies
are the direct options to transport yourself out of the doleful world
of depression. However, meet this young student who found a
different way.
# Band 10 student on her treatment
Presenter: According to Dr. Vipul Rastogi, in India, people think
going to a psychiatrist will bring social stigma. This leads to either
no treatment or prolonged treatment.

# Band 11 Dr. Vipul rastogi on risks

Presenter: Dr. Vipul Rastogi . If you dont talk about your feelings,
because of the fear of someone calling you dramatic or
attention seeker then you have a problem at hand. Doctors
say, you must talk about your problems.
Unfortunately, only 20% of depressed teens are appropriately
diagnosed and treated. When diagnosing a mood disorder,
adolescents can be at a disadvantage.
However, if left untreated, depression can have serious and
sometimes long-term consequences that can affect every
aspect of ones life. Dr. Saurabh Mehrotra.
# Band 12 Dr. Saurabh Mehrotra on untreated depression.
Presenter: Dr. Saurabh Mehrotra.
After talking to so many experts, this programme has come to this
conclusion; Depression is treatable--- so all of these dangerous
consequences of untreated depression can be avoided.
If you suffer from depression, please do share your feeling with an
expert.
# Band 13 Student on life today
Presenter: Since the beginning of the 21st century, depression has
almost doubled all over the world-- and suicide, tripled, according
to Jerald Kay, M.D., Professor and Chair of the Department of
Psychiatry at the Wright State University School of Medicine, Ohio.
In an American College Health Association report, students cited
depression and anxiety as among the top impediments to
academic performance. 64 percent of young adults who are no
longer in college are not attending college because of mental
health related reasons. Depression, bipolar disorder and post-

traumatic stress disorder are the primary diagnoses of these

young adults.
Dr. Vipul Rastogi sees the same trends in India while treating his
patients. He believes its time to bring balance into our lives.
# Band 14 Dr. Vipul Rastogi balanced life.
Presenter: Almost 73 percent of students living with a mental
health condition experienced a mental health crisis. Yet, about
34% percent reported that their college did not know about their
crisis. Colleges across the country have reported large increases
in enrollment. At the same time, college counseling centers have
also observed an increase in the prevalence and severity of
mental health issues experienced by students and an increase in
the number of students taking psychotropic medications. At this
juncture, this is what Dr. Saurabh Mehrotra recommends the
schools and colleges to do.
# Band 14 Dr. Saurabhs advise
Prsenter: Depression does not only harm the person who is
depressed-- it harms everyone who he is surrounded by it. This is
how it troubles the society as a whole.
# Band 15 Dr. Vipul Rastogi
Presenter: Dr. Vipul Rastogi. Depression is treatable. Early
diagnosis and treatment are essential for teenagers with
depression to live normal lives. Teens who exhibit symptoms of
depression should be referred to and evaluated by a mental
health professional who specializes in this. As suggested by an
expert earlier in this programme, having a balanced lifestyle is
one of the most important features of getting it right. You can
have it by Eating healthy, sleeping adequately and staying away
from any drugs.

Importantly, youngsters like me need to find ways to handle

stress in the best possible way. Experts are united in saying that
talking/sharing is crucial in shedding some of the baggage.
Talking to a friendtalking to a mentor and talking to your trusted
ones such as parents is one of the best therapies.
Almost all psychiatrists agree that having a positive attitude
towards life is the key to your balance. Can you do that my dear
friend, strike a balance in your life? Come on, I know that you can
be Positive. I know that youre a winner! Say, Im a winner!
Chorus: Im a winner
Music Fade out
Im a winner- you were listening to this radio documentary
produced by Eshita Tiwari and Priyanka Mukherji, students of
BJMC 2nd year, at the School of Journalism and Mass
Communication, Apeejay Stya University.