Depression among students is a critical issue that demands urgent attention. The gravity of this problem magnifies the alarming rise in dropouts from colleges, study breaks, drug addictions, even suicidal attempts among students. As parents and educators, it is essential to be proactive in addressing this crisis through understanding, support, and guidance. Let’s take a look into how to prevent depression in students. Common Reasons for Depression among Students  Depression among students can be attributed to various factors, and understanding these reasons is the first step in prevention. Here are some common causes: - High expectations and academic stress can lead to feelings of hopelessness - Loneliness and a lack of social support can make students vulnerable to depression and suicidal thoughts - Bullying, whether in person or online, can devastate a student's mental health - Drug or alcohol abuse can exacerbate depression and increase the risk of suicide - Relationship problems can be a major source of stress and anxiety for students - Conflict with their parents, siblings, or friends can make them isolated and alone - Economic constraints and worries about the future can take a toll on a student's mental health - Traumatic events during childhood, like physical or emotional abuse or loss of a parent increase the risk of depression - Mental health conditions, such as bipolar disorder, and anxiety disorder can trigger depression - Having certain personality traits, such as low self-esteem or being overly dependent, self-critical, or pessimistic is a reason for depression.  Read more: Protecting Your Child’s Mental Health: 10 Tips for Parents

Australia is now the first country to allow psychiatrists to prescribe certain psychedelic substances to patients with depression or post-traumatic stress disorder. Beginning Saturday, Australian physicians can prescribe doses of MDMA, also known as ecstasy, for PTSD. Psilocybin, the psychoactive ingredient in psychedelic mushrooms, can be given to people who have hard-to-treat depression. The country put the two drugs on the list of approved medicines by the Therapeutic Goods Administration. Scientists in Australia were surprised by the move, which was announced in February but took effect July 1. One scientist said it puts Australia "at the forefront of research in this field." Chris Langmead, deputy director of the Neuromedicines Discovery Centre at the Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, said there have been very few advancements on treatment of persistent mental health issues in the last 50 years. After years of waiting, medical marijuana sold in Louisiana The growing cultural acceptance has led two U.S. states to approve measures for their use: Oregon was the first to legalize the adult use of psilocybin, and Colorado's voters decriminalized psilocybin in 2022. Days ago, President Joe Biden's youngest brother said in a radio interview that the president has been "very open-minded" in conversations the two have had about the benefits of psychedelics as a form of medical treatment. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration designated psilocybin as a "breakthrough therapy" in 2018, a label that's designed to speed the development and review of drugs to treat a serious condition. Psychedelics researchers have benefited from federal grants, including Johns Hopkins, and the FDA released draft guidance late last month for researchers designing clinical trials testing psychedelic drugs as potential treatments for a variety of medical conditions. New Zealand law to make medical marijuana widely available Still, the American Psychiatric Association has not endorsed the use of psychedelics in treatment, noting the FDA has yet to offer a final determination. And medical experts in the U.S. and elsewhere, Australia included, have cautioned that more research is needed on the drugs' efficacy and the extent of the risks of psychedelics, which can cause hallucinations. US growing largest crop of marijuana for research in 5 years "There are concerns that evidence remains inadequate and moving to clinical service is premature; that incompetent or poorly equipped clinicians could flood the space; that treatment will be unaffordable for most; that formal oversight of training, treatment, and patient outcomes will be minimal or ill-informed," said Dr. Paul Liknaitzky, head of Monash University's Clinical Psychedelic Lab. Canada now world's largest legal marijuana marketplace Plus, the drugs will be expensive in Australia — about $10,000 (roughly $6,600 U.S. dollars) per patient for treatment. Uruguay is betting on exports of medical marijuana Litnaitzky said the opportunity for Australians to access the drugs for specific conditions is unique. "There's excitement about drug policy progress," he said, "... about the prospect of being able to offer patients more suitable and tailored treatment without the constraints imposed by clinical trials and rigid protocols." Thailand approves medical marijuana

In today's hectic urban life, stress has become a constant companion, affecting our mental wellbeing. Research suggests that information overload, constant digital connectivity, unlimited screen time and heavy use of tech devices can lead to issues such as sleep problems, depression, and increased stress levels. Amidst such situation, digital detox can help to refresh the mind and help find moments of tranquility.  A digital detox is a personal choice to temporarily disconnect from digital devices and social media. Taking a break from screens and unplugging from the online world can provide a much-needed escape from the overwhelming digital noise. Let's explore the ways of embracing a digital detox for a rejuvenated mind. 11 Ways to Unplug Temporarily from the Digital World  Set Screen-free Zones Consider setting up designated screen-free zones in your home. Like the dining table or bedroom, as peaceful havens for unwinding and enjoying precious moments with your close ones. By creating these spaces, you can foster relaxation, encourage meaningful connections, and cherish quality time without the distractions of screens. Let these areas become sanctuaries of togetherness and tranquility in your home. Read more: Protecting Your Child’s Mental Health: 10 Tips for Parents Prioritize Real-world Connections You can schedule frequent face-to-face meetings and outings with your loved ones. These moments hold immense value in nurturing deep connections and decreasing our dependence on virtual interactions. Engaging in real-life interactions allows us to have authentic conversations, shared experiences, and a sense of closeness that cannot be replicated online.  Set Tech-free Hours You can try to set aside specific hours each day for complete disconnection from digital devices. During this time, give yourself the opportunity to engage in activities that bring you joy, such as reading a book, exercising, or pursuing your favorite hobbies. You can create a space for personal growth, and the fulfillment that comes from offline experiences. You can embrace this valuable time to nourish your mind, body, and soul.

The depression over southeast Bay and the adjoining area has intensified into a deep depression. At 6 am on Wednesday, it was centred about 1550 km south of Chattogram port, 1470 km south of Cox’s Bazar port, 1550 km south-southeast of Mongla port and 1505 km south-southeast of Payra port. It is likely to intensify further and move in a north-northwesterly direction till May 11 (Thursday). Thereafter, it is likely to recurve gradually and move north-northwards. Also read: Depression over Bay intensifies into deep depression Maximum sustained wind speed within 48 km of the deep depression centre is about 50 kph rising to 60 kph in gusts or squalls. Sea will remain moderate near the deep depression centre. Maritime ports of Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Mongla and Payra have been advised to keep hoisted distant cautionary signal no one. All fishing boats and trawlers over north Bay and deep sea have been advised to remain close to the coast and proceed with caution. They are also advised not to venture into the deep sea.  

The depression over southwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining area moved west-northwestwards at 6 am on Saturday. It is likely to move west-southwestwards afterwards, said a special bulletin of Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD). All fishing boats and trawlers over north Bay and deep sea have been advised not to venture into the depression area. Depression over southeast Bay of Bengal intensifies

The maritime ports of Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Mongla and Payra have been advised to hoist local cautionary signal number 3 as the depression over the east-central Bay intensified into a deep depression on Sunday morning. “It is likely to intensify further and move in a northwesterly direction,” said the weather department in a bulletin. Read:Low pressure area over the Bay likely to intensify into depression: Met office According to India Meteorological Department, the deep depression will intensify into a cyclonic storm and reach West Bengal, Bangladesh coasts on October 25. Maximum sustained wind speed within 48 kms of the deep depression centre is about 50-60 kph in gusts or squalls, it added. The sea will remain rough near deep depression centre. Under its influence, North Bay and adjoining coastal areas of Bangladesh are likely to experience squally wind of 40-50 kph in addition to heavy (44-88 MM) to very rainfall, the bulletin added. Read:Cyclonic storm likely to reach Bangladesh coast on Oct 25 Besides, the low-lying areas of coastal districts of Satkhira, Khulna, Bagerhat, Jhalakathi, Pirojpur, Barguna, Patuakhali, Bhola, Barishal, Laxmipur, Chandpur, Noakhali, Feni, Chattogram and Cox’s Bazar are likely to be inundated by wind driven surge. All fishing boats and trawlers over North Bay and deep sea have been advised to take shelter immediately and remain in shelter till further notice, it added.

A low pressure area which was formed over the Andaman Sea and adjoining Southeast Bay is likely to intensify into a depression. Maritime ports of Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Mongla and Payra have been advised to watch further necessary instruction carefully, said a special bulletin of Bangladesh Metrological Department (BMD). All fishing boats and trawlers over  the North Bay and deep sea have been advised to proceed with caution. They are also advised no to venture into the deep sea.

More than 8,000 fish enclosures in Bagerhat have been washed away by tidal surges triggered by the depression over the Bay, said the district fisheries department on Wednesday. Among them, 500 fish enclosures washed away in Sadar upazila, 2,000 each in Mongla, Rampal and Morelganj, while 500 in Kachua and 1000 in Sarankhola upazila. Different species of fish, including shrimp, worth Tk 3 crore have been washed away causing losses to  around 7,000 fish farmers, said Bagerhat District Fisheries Officer ASM Russell. Upazila fisheries officers were asked to prepare a complete list of damages, he added. Read: Low-lying areas of 5 dists flooded due to tidal surge caused by depression However, according to the fish farmers, the amount of the losses is more. They demanded incentives and loans on easy terms to save the shrimp industry. The low-lying areas of the coastal district have been inundated by tidal surges due incessant rains for the last five days triggered by the low pressure formed in the Bay. The weather department here has recorded 33 mm rainfall in the district in 24 hours till 6 am Wednesday. Dilip Majumdar, in-charge of Dublarchar Forest Outpost of Sundarban East Division, said water did not enter the Sundarbans today. The fishermen started to go back to sea with their trawlers, he added. Amaresh Chandra Dhali, in-charge of the Mongla Meteorological Observatory, said the well-marked low over northwest Madhya Pradesh and adjoining area is likely to weaken gradually. “Weather may turn normal from Thursday.”

The maritime ports of Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Mongla and Payra have been advised to keep hoisted at local cautionary signal No 3 to alert vessels of a possible squall although the land depression weakened into a well-marked low. The Land Depression over South Madhya Pradesh and adjoining area of India moved further westnorthwestwards, weakened into a Well-marked low and lay centred over central part of Madhya Pradesh and adjoining area, said a special bulletin of the Met office on Tuesday morning. Read: Low-lying areas of 5 dists flooded due to tidal surge caused by depression It is likely to weaken further, it added. Under its influence, a deep convection is taking place over the North Bay and its adjoining areas. Squally weather may affect the maritime ports, the North Bay and the adjoining coastal areas of Bangladesh, it added. All fishing boats and trawlers over the North Bay have been advised to come closer to the coast and proceed with caution until further notice. They have been also advised not to venture into the deep sea. Read: Depression over Bay likely to weaken gradually: Met office Meanwhile, Low-lying areas of coastal districts and their offshore islands and chars are likely to be inundated by tidal surges. These districts are Satkhira, Khulna, Bagerhat, Jahalakathi, Pirojpur, Barguna, Patuakhali, Bhola, Barishal, Laxmipur, Chandpur, Noakhali, Feni, Chattogram and Cox’s Bazar.

The low-lying areas of Bagerhat, Jhalakathi, Bhola, Satkhira and Khulna districts have been inundated due to the tidal surges caused by the depression over the Bay. In Bagerhat, the residents of the coastal areas have been suffering a lot for the past three days due to intermittent rainfall. The water level of Bhairab, Baleshwar, Panguchhi and Pashur rivers increased by two feet from normal ton Monday afternoon while water in Sundarbans was flowing 3-4 feet higher than normal. The wildlife were seen wandering in search of a safe place. All the ponds in Sundarbans have overflowed and if the situation continues for more days, the fish enclosures in Bagerhat coastal areas may be washed away anytime. Meanwhile, a number of fishing trawlers with fishermen have taken shelter at Dublarchar, Narikelbaria and Katka of Sundarbans as the sea is very rough. Amaresh Chandra Dhali, in-charge of Mongla Weather Conservatory Centre, said the weather office has recorded 21 mm of rainfall in three hours from 6 am to 9 am in Bagerhat. In Bhola, the water level of many rivers in the district has increased by 2-3 feet above its normal level, rendering 20,000 people marooned. Besides, the ferry services on Bhola-Laxmipur route have been disrupted as the ghat went under water. Meanwhile, the residents of Madanpura in Doulatkhan, Char Jahiruddin of Tajumuddin, Dhalchar and Char Kukri-Mukri in Charfassion upazilas and Kolatoli of Manpura upazila of the district have been flooded due to the tidal surge. Abdus Salam, chairman of Dhalchar union in Charfassion upazila, said the union is home to 12,000 people and they have been passing through untold sufferings for the last couple of days as the river water inundated their residents. Besides, Mahbubur Rahman, an officer of Bhola Weather Conservatory Center, said 38 mm rainfalls have been recorded in the past 24 hours till Monday noon. In Satkhira, the inhabitants of the coastal area of the district have been experiencing showers from Monday morning triggered by the depression in the Bay of Bengal. Already 200 bighas of fish enclosures have been washed away while 62-km of embankment in 35 points of the coastal areas was at risk of collapse. Shahnewaz Dalim, chairman of Khazra Union in Ashashuni upazila said, 200 bighas of land have been washed away in the upazila.