How arh how arh, what if this particular rejected loser
hypocrite lose his wallet and get depressed over it, shld i send
him to IMH?
From IMH
Everyone has felt sad at one time or another. Usually it is due to
a disappointment, frustration or losing someone. Such sadness is
normal. Time heals, the mood lifts and people continue to get on
with their lives.
But in some people, depression can be so severe that it dominates
their lives, preventing them from coping as they are used to.
Depression of this degree is an illness and needs treatment.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION?
The following are the most common symptoms of depression. If you
experience 5 or more of these symptoms for 2 weeks or longer, you
are probably depressed.
Persistent sadness or feeling down or gloomy
A loss of interest in activities previously enjoyed, such as
socializing with friends and family, most of the day, nearly every
day.
Loss of appetite and loss of weight.
Insomnia. For some people, on the contrary, they find that they are
sleeping more than normal.
Feeling restless and agitated more easily.
Feeling tired and having little energy.
Unable to concentrate and think clearly and thereby becoming
indecisive.
Feeling of worthlessness and quilt
Recurrent thoughts of death
HOW COMMON IS DEPRESSION?
Depression has been called the common cold of mental health
problem. The World Health Organization (WHO) recently ranked
depression as the leading cause of morbidity in developing nations
in the next century. Lifetime occurrence rate is between 3% to 6%,
and it is twice as common in women as it is in men. It commonly
begin in people aged between 20 and 40 years, although it can occur
in children or older people. Research has shown that it is commoner
in people with a family history of depression.
YOU ARE NOT TO BLAME?
The common misconception is that depression is a moral weakness or
a character flaw. Many a time, people have told depressed people to
just snap out of it. Depression is a medical illness with
biological roots. It cannot be wiled or wished away.
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF DEPRESSION?
Some types of depression run in families, indicating hereditary or
genetic factors. In some families, major depression seems to occur
generation after generation.
Studies have also suggested some biological component in
depression. It may be associated with having too little or too much
chemical in the brain. Certain medications have mood altering
properties. Antidepressant medication act by altering and
normalizing the biochemical imbalances in the brain.
Life events such as loss of job, retirement, divorce, death of a
loved one or moving to a new house can precipitate a depressive
illness. Social circumstances also play a part. If we are alone,
have few or no friends, suffer from a chronic illness, them we may
be more vulnerable to depression.
People with life threatening or long-term physical illness such as
cancer, stroke, arthritis or heart disease are also more vulnerable
to depression.
Personality may also play a part in depression. Some of us are more
vulnerable than others because of the individual make-up or early
life experiences.
Every often, a combination of genetic, psychological and
environmental factors is involved in the onset of depression.
The good news is that whatever the cause, depression is
treatable.
HOW CAN DEPRESSION BE TREATED?
Treatment consists of drug (antidepressant medication) and non-drug
therapy. Usually a combined treatment is best: medication to gain
relatively quick relief and psychotherapy to learn more effective
ways to deal with life stresses.
ANTIDEPRESSANT MEDICATION?
All antidepressant medications are equally effective but they have
different side effects. The most often used antidepressants include
tricyclics, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, lithium and selective
serotonin inhibitos (SSRI)
Be patient when you take the medication. Antidepressant medications
do not begin working the day you take them but your mood will
improve after one to two weeks. However, you may notice some
improvement on the first day, especially in your sleep and feeling
less tense and anxious. They are not addictive.
You can eat a normal diet (if not, your doctor will tell you). The
medications are compatible with painkillers, antibiotics and
contraceptives. However, you should avoid alcohol as the medication
and alcohol combined can make you too drowsy.
Do not stop the medication once you start to feel better as you may
relapse into depression again. You should discuss this with your
doctor and let him advise you when to stop.
Like all medications, antidepressants have some side effects,
though these are usually mild and tend to wear off as treatment
goes on.
Some side effects of antidepressant medication:
Dry mouth
Constipation
Dizziness
Drowsiness
Nausea and stomach discomfort
NON-DRUG THERAPY
PSYCHOTHERAPY
Psychotherapy involves talking things through with a trained
counsellor or therapist. Talking to someone who can really listen
and understand you without passing judgement can be a tremendous
relief. You learn how to solve problems and cope with life stresses
better.
EXERCISE
Exercise not only improves your health but it also gives you a
sense of accomplishment. Endorphins (feel goodhormones) are
released during exercise and this can elevate your mood.
RELAXATION THERAPY
This involves deep breathing exercises and progressive muscle
relaxation.
SUPPORT GROUPS
Support groups offer fellowship and you get to hear first hand
accounts of how other with depression, like you, have learn to
cope. Presently SAMH, IMH and the Behavioural Medicine Clinic at
IMH run support groups. The group at IMH is a psychoeducation
group, i.e. you learn about the depressive illness and methods of
coping.
ELECTROCONVULSIVE THERAPY (ECT)
ECT is only indicated for those with severe depression who have not
responded to treatment or are highly suicidal. It involves giving a
light general anaesthetic and an electric current is passed through
the brain for few seconds. The whole procedure takes only about 15
minutes and the patient is only aware of having gone to
sleep.
HOW TO HELP YOURSELF?
Dont bottle things up. Try to talk to someone close to you. It
helps to have a good cry and talk things through.
Dont set yourself unrealistic or difficult goals. Do what you
can.
Do something do some light activities or get out of the house for
some exercise and some fresh air. It helps to take your mind off
things.
Eat a balanced diet, although you may not feel like eating.
Do not drown your sorrows in alcohol. Alcohol actually depresses
the mood. It may give immediate relief but this is temporary and
you end up more depressed. It is also bad for your health.
Dont despair: remind yourself that many other people have suffered
from depression and have becomes better. You will eventually come
out of it, just like they did.
LIVING WITH A DEPRESSED PERSON HOW CAN YOU HELP?
Get him to see a doctor so that he can be diagnosed and
treated.
Offer emotional support. Spend time and encourage him to open up.
Offer a listening ear.
Encourage him to continue with treatment. Reassure him that he will
get better.
If the depressed person has mentioned not wanting to live or
suicide, it is important to tell his therapist.
WHERE CAN YOU GET HELP?
If you, or someone you know is unable to cope with depression,
professional help is available.
Institute of Mental Health Clinic: 6389 2200
Behavioural Medicine Clinic (Health Promotion Board): 6435
3879
Behavioural Medicine Clinic (Alexandra Clinic): 6762 4166
Child Guidance Clinic: 6435 3878/9
Seek treatment early. Dont suffer unnecessarily. Help is available
and effective.
PROFESSIONAL CONSULTATION
For appointments call 6389 2200 or fax 6385 1075.
Clinic hours: Monday to Friday - 8am to 5pm
Saturday - 8am to 1pm
INSTITUTE OF MENTAL HEALTH
We endeavour to promote mental health through the provision of
person-focused service that is integrated, comprehensive,
accessible, cost-effective and by pursuing continuous learning and
research.
