Feeling down or depressed brings no reason behind it. It would be, in fact, tough to explain how depression feels as every individual might experience it differently. It’s the feeling of helplessness when one experiences lack of happiness and constant negative thoughts erupting for no concrete reasons. You will know it is turning into a serious disorder when this problem fails to pass and you are unable to bounce back. If this problem is stretching for a long period, occurring often and interferes with the ability to interact with people and enjoy life, the person is definitely experiencing some form of depression. There is no particular event that can be pinpointed as the culprit.
A recent example is that of Richa (name changed upon request), who was suffering from depression and anxiety disorder. A front-office employee in a five-star hotel, six months ago, she started experiencing bouts of feeling low. Within a short time, she transformed from a cheerful, exuberant personality to a restless, irritated individual prone to fits of emotional outbursts, insecurity, forgetfulness, suicidal thoughts and frustration. She developed a guilty conscience and had difficulty in socializing. Fatigue, inability to concentrate and forgetfulness were affecting her ability to work. It became worse when her prolonged depression led her to attempt suicide, which caused her family and colleagues to intervene. This is when they had to seek medical help.
Although, it is tough for many people to openly welcome the concept of depression and anxiety, there is definitely no shame in having either. We may say that depression results from a chemical imbalance but that doesn’t mean it springs from simply having too much or too little of certain brain chemicals. Yes, chemicals are involved in this process. In fact, a lot of them working both inside and outside nerve cells are involved, which are gradually treated through medication. There are certain therapies to be taken up as well along with the medications:
1. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
This therapy helps the patient in identifying, challenging and adapting to a given situation. Instead of zoning in only on the reason for the patient’s distress in the past, it focuses on ways to improve their state of mind. The therapy works well along with prescribed medications for depression.
2. Interpersonal therapy
This is a short-term treatment for depression that teaches problem-solving skills within a social milieu. The therapy is effective in treating adolescent depression and is commonly recommended as a treatment for depression in children.
Since we doctors recommend prevention as being better than cure, it is a good idea to keep a check on any chances of acquiring this mental disorder. For the same, one must be easy on their life through a healthy lifestyle that includes well-balanced meals, adequate sleep, regular exercise and limiting smoking and alcohol intake. Maintaining a positive outlook towards life and socializing with friends and family, further helps in keeping a showdown and depressed mood at bay. Richa is now undergoing psychological treatment and being cared for by her family. On her way to recovery after shedding the negative emotions, she can look forward with optimism to begin her life afresh.
Dr. Aneesh Baweja is a Senior Consultant, Psychiatry, at the Delhi-based Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute.
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