Every third person these days is stressed and depressed. As per the records, adults aged between 25 and 30 are most depressed. Psychologists are also concerned with these facts. "Within the last 3 months there’s a three-fold increase in patients, especially the younger lot suffering depression due to recession," says Dr. Jitendra Nagpal, senior consultant, psychiatry (CDAHC), Moolchand Medcity. One shouldn't fall victim to depression but needs to fight it with utmost confidence.
The Scourge of Emotions
Depression can hit with the force of a tornado, tearing down lives, but treatment is effective in four out of five cases. Depression is a disturbance in mood characterized by varying degrees of sadness, disappointment, loneliness, hopelessness, self-doubt and guilt. It will make the person emotionally drained where he or she will only get negative thoughts in mind.
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Common symptoms of depression
- Constantly feeling sad, irritable and tensed
- Decreased interest
- feeling lathargic
- Change in appetite, with significant weight loss or weight gain
- Disturbed sleep
- Lack of concentration
- Feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness or guilt
- Thoughts of suicide
Treatment
The first group of depression patients should be constantly in company of someone all the time, it is very important to communicate with them. Management of this illness depends on the awareness of the patient and relatives. If we take into account the personal-social-occupational dysfunction it causes during this period and the risk of suicide, it is best to start treatment at the earliest. Treatment is available , in the form of pharmacotherapy, cognitive therapy, behaviour therapy, interpersonal therapy, supportive therapy, family therapy, educating the patient and the family about the illness and the need for medication.
It’s important for people to accept depression patients as normal individuals. Do not call the recession-affected people as patients.
Also Read: Health Benefits of Using Stress Balls: Do These Really Work?
Some self-help Tips
- Inculcate hobbies
- Exercise
- Practice meditation, yoga and chanting
- Eat a healthy diet
- See a physician, if complaints persist
Also Read: Take A Pause And Bust That Stress For Healthy Mind and Body
Guidelines for Family Physicians
The primary care physician should refer patients with depressive disorders to psychiatrist if:
- Suicidal risk
- Necessity for hospitalization
- Failure of an adequate anti-depressant trial
- Suspected need for combined medication and psychotherapy
Save yourself from depression as every dark cloud has a silver lining and you are precious. Be a fighter. If I were asked to give what I consider the single most useful bit of advice for all humanity, it would be this: Expect trouble as an inevitable part of life and when it comes, hold your head high. Look it squarely in the eye and say, “I will be bigger than you. You cannot defeat me.”
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