Depression, this disease is really an ill-fated disease. Have fever? Here's a paracetamol. Have a headache? Here's a combiflam. You are sad? Don't care. We know a lot of diseases which are life threatening or affect our lives badly and we are really scared of them. But, this poor disease is itself depressed because no one is scared, forget scared, a lot don't even acknowledge it as a disease. Why? Because it does not wreak you physically? Because it is not communicable? Because you know absolutely nothing about it? Or because you think, the person who is depressed is probably acting it out for say, gaining sympathy or because he is trying to evade from work?
I myself never considered depression to be a serious ailment before I attended a lecture by Dr. Harish Shetty, a well known psychiatrist from Mumbai. A lot in my blog today, are his quotes.
Ever wondered how depression feels like? Agreed, it cannot be measured by say, a depressionometer but when people suffering from depression were asked about how they feel, this is what they had to say."Take a pillowcase full of rocks and strap it to the top of your head. Now put on a dark pair of sunglasses — indoors. Leave those things on for about a week. Until you begin to see the world through a dark film that never gets lighter, and it takes a very conscious effort to hold your head up. That is what depression feels like on a good day."
WARNING SIGNS!!
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering details, and making decisions.
- Fatigue and decreased energy.
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and/or helplessness
- Feelings of hopelessness and/or negativity.
- Lack of sleep, early-morning wakefulness, or excessive sleeping.
- Irritability, restlessness.
- Loss of interest in activities or hobbies once pleasurable.
- Overeating or appetite loss.
- Persistent aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems that do not ease even with treatment.
- Persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" feelings.
- Thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts.
SELF HELP!
Although, this is the SELF HELP plot but, I request each and every person reading this, "PLEASE DO NOT ignore that friend or partner of yours who is being weirdly aloof for the past few weeks. Always remember, the concern that you show towards the depressed person works magically.
Today I am not going to tell you'll about the drugs or "special fruits" (seriously?) that suppress depression, but that ONE THING that can bring your loved one back from the hole.
Sit next to that person, talk to him/her, ask what is wrong. If he says nothing on the first day, he will, someday soon.
Just you sitting there besides that person, holding his hand works better than any anti-depressant. Trust me, this may sound mawkish but, you yourself will realize how bewildering it is, when you see the person recovering.
Feelings are just like the undigested food that your mind couldn't take inside. Let ALL THAT OUT!
PLEASE go see a doctor if you are depressed! A psychiatrist is definitely cheaper than an astrologer.
(deliberately avoiding the "who's correct?" philosophy. We all know the
answer. Unless, you apply logic selectively.) Being a psychiatric patient does not make you any less of a human. Like you go to a general physician for a fungal rash, you go to a psychiatrist for any psychiatric illness! In fact, having a fungal rash is more mortifying than being depressed, it doesn't say anything about your hygiene at least!. ( No offense excoriators, use candid B ointment. It will go away in a week.)
MYTH-O-LITH
Yes, mood swings also exist. Mood swing is something which stays for a shorter duration of time, completely normal. But if it continues for weeks and weeks together, you need help.
POST-SCRIPTING : A research says, 40% of the total population of India has major depressive disorder! They might be around us but eyes only see what the mind knows. They themselves must be unaware of their condition. Wake up guys! The negativity can be banished only once it is recognized.
People who suffer from mental illnesses need our love and support, exactly what we deprive them of. They deserve our respect and care.
You lending your ears to someone for a while, might just save some lives!
Much power to you guys, #DOCYOU!
SHARE, IF YOU CARE!
MYTH-O-LITH
Yes, mood swings also exist. Mood swing is something which stays for a shorter duration of time, completely normal. But if it continues for weeks and weeks together, you need help.
POST-SCRIPTING : A research says, 40% of the total population of India has major depressive disorder! They might be around us but eyes only see what the mind knows. They themselves must be unaware of their condition. Wake up guys! The negativity can be banished only once it is recognized.
People who suffer from mental illnesses need our love and support, exactly what we deprive them of. They deserve our respect and care.
You lending your ears to someone for a while, might just save some lives!
Much power to you guys, #DOCYOU!
SHARE, IF YOU CARE!
Deeksha, amazingly written! :D
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