- Dr. Usha Marath, Professor cum Principal, Lisie College of Nursing, Lisie Hospital, Ernakulam
Depression is a disorder of major public health importance, in terms of its prevalence and the suffering, dysfunction, morbidity, and economic burden. India recorded the highest rate of major depression in the world, at 36 per cent. It is going through unprecedented social and economic change, which often brings depression in its wake. The global study, based on interviews with 89,000 people, shows that women are twice as likely to suffer depression as men.
Depression comes in many forms. We all get sad from time to time, but when it persists and makes it difficult for us to carry out our daily activities, then it might be a sign of something more serious. Depression is also linked to other forms of mental illness, such as anxiety and bipolar disorder. We all might show signs and symptoms of these various illnesses that do not necessarily mean that we have them. Regardless, there is nothing wrong with going to see a doctor if you feel concerned about your mental health.
Depression cannot just be “cured.” But it can be treated. Depression will not go away overnight. If someone tells you to “just suck it up,” don’t listen to that person. There are plenty of ways to treat depression like psychological counseling, medication, hospitalization and even exercise can help with depression.
Depression hurts, and not just mentally. Depression is often manifested physically, more proof that it’s a real illness… Depression can make it difficult to get out of bed in the morning; it seems to suck all of the energy out of you. It can lead to stress in the body, back pain, headaches, loss of appetite, insomnia, a diminished sex drive, fatigue, weight loss and/or weight gain. Remember the old saying, “sound body, sound mind”? Well, it goes both ways.
Asking for help is the greatest sign of a healthy mind. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness; it’s a sign of strength. It means that you’re willing to admit when you’re feeling vulnerable, which is an incredibly brave thing to do. The mind is exceptionally powerful, which is precisely why it is such a gift. At the same time, it can be difficult to control. There is nothing wrong with seeking assistance in the fight for your mind.
If you feel depressed, don’t let anyone ever tell you that “something is wrong with you.” There is nothing wrong with you. You are sick, but that does not mean that you are hopeless. Some of the most accomplished individuals in history suffered from some form of depression or another… Winston Churchill, Abraham Lincoln and Deepika Padukone to name a few. Sadness is a natural aspect of the human condition, and it often leads to immense insight and wisdom.
To all others not having this problem, you should never be afraid to engage with someone who is depressed. Your hand might be just what they need to begin the process of coming out of the dark. Remind them that they are not alone. Follow your gut, and here are 15 things you can look for if you are concerned of someone you know who might be depressed.
- Sadness – An overwhelming mood of sadness. You see it in their faces. Often it is unexplainable. Don’t be afraid to let them know how they look and that you are concerned.
- Anxiety – Mind numbing anxiety. They go to sleep and their head won’t stop spinning. Waking up, they look just as anxious as they did when they went to bed. Be patient with them, just sitting and listening can help to calm them.
- Poor Concentration and memory – “Where did I put that list, I forgot that appointment, what was their name?” Let them know you forget things sometimes too! Encourage them to write down and make lists. Writing itself is therapeutic.
- Guilt and Bad thoughts – Life seems to come in waves, all the bad things and disappointments in life feel immediate. Talk to them about your own guilt. Guilt is worse when we think we are alone with it.
- Emotions of loss – There is a hole in their heart, they are missing something that they don’t know how to fill. Remind them that the best way to make sense of loss is by how we live. Some things can’t be replaced, but we shouldn’t let loss stop us from living which only makes the hole deeper.
- Insomnia – They try everything – the couch, warm milk, – yet all they do is get deeper and deeper into the numbness of Insomnia. Encourage routines, no late-night eating or drinking, turn off the TV, phone, etc.
- Hopelessness – “Hope, what hope! Life is what it is and will only get worse.” The best way to bring someone hope is to engage with them.
- Eating Extremes – From starving themselves to gorging, food can become a drug for the depressed. Keep a good eye on this, don’t let them keep this habit in the dark. Confront them.
- Fatigue – They are tired all the time. Help them with a sleeping and waking routine. Encourage a healthy diet, and a curb in the TV watching and internet browsing.
- Pessimism – “You can’t help, I’ve tried everything, this is all I’ll ever be.” Encourage them to get it out, write it down, and see it for what it is.
- Suicidal ideations – “Death would be better than this, death would solve my problems, everyone would be better off if I was dead.” One of the best ways to lower the risk of suicide is to encourage someone to tell you when they are thinking of suicide. Don’t be afraid, talking about it lowers the chances it will happen.
- Irritability – The smallest things can set off a flood of emotion. Again, show patience. A willingness to just sit and listen while the storm passes.
- Aches and Pains – Back hurts, legs hurt, headaches, and no amount of massages help. Go see a Doctor! Find out if the pain is coming from an acute condition or from the stress of the depression.
- Recklessness – Drugs, sex, speed, life without restraints because we don’t really want to be there. Put a mirror to their actions. Ask questions. Help them set limits.
- Isolation – “I’d rather be alone, leave me alone.” Find ways to interact with them – coffee, a walk, a movie together – whatever it takes to regularly engage with them so at least they can count on you.
Act Today!
Remember …… Depression is not a sign of weakness; it’s a sign of being human. Depression is an illness. It’s not just a passing thing. It impacts millions of people across the world. Would you call someone weak if they got Diabetic Mellitius or Hypentension? People with depression fight a battle every single day.
Depression cannot just be “cured.” But it can be treated. Depression will not go away overnight. If someone tells you to “just suck it up,” don’t listen to that person. There are plenty of ways to treat depression like psychological counseling, medication, hospitalization and even exercise can help with depression.
Taking medication for depression is not a sign of giving up. If you had an infection, wouldn’t you take an antibiotic to get better? Depression is no different. Medication can help improve your symptoms and allow you to return to the things that bring you joy in life. Taking medication is not a sign of giving up, it’s a sign that you’re ready to get better.
Asking for help is the greatest sign of a healthy mind. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness; it’s a sign of strength. It means that you’re willing to admit when you’re feeling vulnerable, which is an incredibly brave thing to do.
Depression impacts children and adults across the world. Remember it does not just affect adults; it’s also common in children. It can have a significant impact on a child’s wellbeing and development, and it should not be ignored.
Depression and mental illness in general, has a terrible stigma surrounding it. People don’t want to feel weak in the mind, or admit that something is “wrong with them.” There is nothing weak about depression, and there is nothing “wrong” with people suffering from it.
The signs you see may be nothing, or they could be a clue to deeper problems. Regardless, life is better when we look out for each other and remind ourselves that all of us have experienced those moments of despair and hopelessness. Reach out to someone today.
- ushamarath@gmail.com
