DEPRESSION
DO YOU FEEL UNUSUALLY DEPRESSED?
Experiences of depression or sadness are a part of everyday life. If however, they have gone on for unusually long or are specially severe, look for these signs –
Withdrawal from social activities, crying frequently, suicidal thoughts, waking up too early in the mornings, disturbed sleep, poor appetite, feelings of worthlessness, general tiredness, restlessness, lack of interest, blaming self for problems, preoccupied with guilt or health, low energy, slowed mental functions, reduced emotional response. In addition, suicide is a very real possibility in depression. So, one should be alert for any signs of suicidal thoughts or intentions.
The person may give direct hints of wanting to die, or may be seen to be making preparations – making a will, giving away belongings, collecting sleeping pills etc. Guilt and self blame, feeling of worthlessness and emptiness are more common in those attempting suicide. Suicide is especially common when an alcoholic or drug addict has to deal with a broken relationship. Suicide is more likely in those who have tried it before, specially if precautions were taken to try and avoid discovery and if violent means were used – e.g., fire. Suicide is more common when someone close to the
person has died, specially a person losing his or her spouse, mother losing her only son. Old age, unemployment and physical illness make suicide more likely. When a dependent person loses his or her support suicide is more likely.
WHEN TO SEEK HELP
If you should notice some of the signs mentioned above, and if you find that feelings of depression and loss of mental and physical energy are taking over so that daily life is disrupted, consult a psychiatrist. If the person seems to give up responsibility for himself and is barely able to care for his own basic needs, and if any ideas of suicide are expressed or suspected, seeking help must be immediate.
What causes depression ?
TREATMENT OF DEPRESSION
Few people realize that depression is treatable. The psychiatrist or psychologist can help the depressed person in the following ways:
Psychological testing –The psychologist can carry out several tests, among them tests of personality, tests for the detection of psychological problems, tests for determining interests and aptitudes and tests of intelligence level. These can be very valuable in planning the person’s treatment.
Medication is often used in severe cases of depression, particularly when the depression is of the type caused by physical factors. It is useful in even mild or moderate cases to improve depression so that changes in life style can take place but must always be used under the supervision of a Psychiatrist
Hospitalization is necessary in cases of severe depression, specially when there is a threat of suicide. Electroconvulsive therapy may be required in severely depressed suicidal cases.
Psychotherapy involves working through the person’s problems and allowing him to express and come to terms with his feelings. A reassessment of the person’s life situation takes place and the person is helped to overcome blocks that prevent him living a more fulfilling life. The results of self help with treatment always makes the outcome better as it leads to personal growth apart from being therapeutic.
DO YOU CONSTANTLY FEEL UNDER STRESS?
About Stress
Stress is the physical and emotional response necessary for dealing with situations that are frightening, confusing, exciting, or tiring. But if there is too much stress, it can trigger off many diseases and
disorders – insomnia, ulcers, high blood pressure, asthma, and migraine are just a few. What can make long term stress so damaging, is the fact that it produces tension. It is like the body being in constant preparation to meet a challenge.
How to recognize stress within you
If you are currently facing a crisis, or a situation in which you are un-relaxed, look out for these signs of stress:-
BODY CHANGES FEELINGS BEHAVIOR
sweating fear avoidance
shaking anger criticism
high blood pressure depression denial
racing heart restlessness escape
dry mouth irritability violence
choking sensation insecurity
churning stomach confusion
Stress can trigger off other problems – insomnia, difficulty in concentrating, and symptoms of mental or physical illnesses that you may be prone to. It is known that those under stress are more prone to all physical illnesses including infections, and stress causes illness like peptic ulcer, heart disease, high blood pressure, etc. Stress can trigger off any of the major physical illnesses, and some of the minor mental illnesses are also caused by stress.
When to see the psychiatrist
If you feel :
∙ that stress is creating so much tension in you that it interferes with your effective handling of situation
∙ there is a feeling of stress for a long period of time
∙ the symptoms of stress are too acute for you to cope with
∙ you are developing physical illnesses very fast or have
∙ started developing minor mental symptoms listed above.
How can the psychiatrist or psychologist help:
For those who cannot develop their own coping methods to deal with stress, the mental health professional may work out a behavior therapy programme in which the person can be trained in coping skills. This will first involve psychological testing so that a training programme suited to individual needs can be planned. Relaxation and stress are two sides of the same coin. Relaxation is the key to coping with stress. The psychiatrist or psychologist can train you in special breathing exercises to bring about quick relaxation for dealing with situations that make you feel stressed,
progressive muscular relaxation which involves training the brain to distinguish between relaxed and tensed muscles in the body and control them, machine assisted relaxation methods, such as biofeedback, and electrosleep, to teach control over body tension. Counseling will be of help in working through problems for people who have a constant stress factor in their lives. Medication for a short time may be required to being down the extreme levels of stress so that other techniques may be applied.
What can you do to deal with stress:
1. Examine aspects of life and try to identify sources of stress.
2. See what you can do to change these situations, or how you can by-pass the source of stress.
3. Think of the skills you need to deal with situations, and practice them. In this way, you will increase your personal resources and not find situations so stressful.
4. Learn methods of relaxation – frequent holidays, doing things you enjoy, favorite sports and hobbies, Yoga, meditation or music.
Never take alcohol/tobacco for stress or medication without the strict supervision of a psychiatrist. These can create a serious and damaging dependency.
