By Dr. Kala Singh, MBBS
Everyone feels sad once in a while, which is normal. If it persists for more than two weeks, one may be suffering from depression and should consult a doctor. In our community, the term Depression is used for all mental health problems, which is a misnomer. People do not recognize the symptoms of depression. The physical symptoms are attributed to ‘flu’, sleeping and eating problems to ‘stress’ and emotional problems to lack of sleep or improper eating. That is why it is missed in many cases and people suffer in silence. The problem is made worse by our cultural differences. If there is a stressful situation, for example, death in the family, job loss, separation or divorce, people will say, ‘He/she has a right to be depressed! Look at what he/she has gone through’. In such cases no professional help is sought and the person suffers in silence. We also do not seek medical help because we are ashamed to tell others that there is person suffering from Depression or any other mental illness in the family.
Depression is one of the most common and treatable of all mental health problems. It is more common in women than men. One woman out of four and one man out of ten will develop Depression in their lifetime. Depression can appear at any age but is more prevalent from the age of 18-44 years. Current research suggests that Depression is also prevalent among children and adolescents. Elderly people can also suffer from Depression and its symptoms may be mistaken for those of senility.
Symptoms:
- Change of appetite. The person either losses appetite and the weight or eats too much with gain in weight.
- Change in sleeping pattern. Inability to sleep, fitful sleep, waking up early in the morning or, too much of sleep.
- Loss of interest.
- Fatigue and loss of energy.
- Inability to concentrate or think.
- Feeling of hopelessness and worthlessness.
- Taking the blame on oneself for the past failures and feeling of guilt.
- Thinking of suicide.
- Somatic complains as vague body pains, constipation, palpitation, headache or stomachache etc.
If someone has four or more of these symptoms for more than two weeks, one should take professional help by talking to your doctor or a health worker. Suicide is a real threat in depression.
Causes: There is no single cause which gives rise to this illness.
- Scientists believe that it could be genetic.
- Scientists also believe that people suffering from depression have imbalance of neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters are natural substances in the brain that allow brain cells to communicate with one another.
- Depression can also be caused by physical illnesses, like Heart problem, Thyroid.
Treatment:
Depression cannot be controlled by will power. No one can cure depression by trying to be happy, active and arguing positive sides of life alone. There is need for medication.
80-90% of people respond to treatment. Before starting treatment a thorough evaluation is done to understand all the factors contributing to the illness. Treatment is done by:
Medication: Antidepressants are given. Their effect begins within 3-6 weeks of starting the treatment.
Psychotherapy: It is also called ‘Talk treatment’, is given by a trained professional to the client with emotional or behavioral problem. Many people from our community do not believe in this therapy, but it is very essential and effective in treating the illness.
Electro convulsive Therapy (ECT): It is given to those clients in which all other types of treatments has failed and those who are suicidal.
How can family member help: There are a lot of ways family members can help a depressed person.
Do listen to the problems and feelings of the depressed person, even if you do not have answers to their problems.
Do not criticize the depressed person and their feelings.
Do not personalize the feelings of the depressed person and start feeling responsible for their illness.
Do not lose your temper while talking to the depressed person. Have patience.
Do not push the depressed person to be positive and cheerful.
Do not patronize the depressed person.
Family members must look after themselves because living with a depressed person can be very frustrating. Family members while looking after the depressed person must take time out for themselves, exercise and keep their normal routine. They should not sacrifice too much for them.
Children living with a depressed person can develop behavioral and learning problems. To avoid this, children should be educated about the illness and they should be discouraged from taking the responsibility of making the depressed person happy. For this help of the professionals should be taken.
Kala Singh did MBBS degree from Delhi University, India. He worked as Psychiatric Doctor in Africa for 21 years before immigrating to Canada. He gives Sikh religious and spiritual counseling and psychotherapy to clients with stress and mental health problems. For more information he can be contacted at 604 327 5253
