Depression, not a stigma (But this is what you must know)

Why does talking about depression in our society, is still a stigma? From my personal knowledge and professional experience, I have seen discussion about any disease with random people, often makes it worse. Sounds weird, but your mindset has a lot to do with your cure.

You should talk about it, but with the right people. Discussing with the right people means you will get help and feel better. If talking to someone makes you feel worse, then that person is not the right help.

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Talking about depression is still a stigma because many have faced the worsening of symptoms after talking to the wrong people.It’s difficult to talk about it because it makes us sad.Its difficult to talk about it because people are scared. It’s difficult to know who is right and who is wrong. So when in doubt talk to someone you trust. Simple rule. If you follow it, you will avoid needless stress about many things.

There’s a reason doctors have doctor-patient confidentiality. Medical conditions need understanding. Both the medical part of the disease and the psychological part of the person.Because it’s the second part which rules almost all diseases. I have seen depression from very close up. You can say I had a ringside view of it. What I saw, I hated. It was also something which changed my life. Since the events involve real people and their privacy I will just tell you how it affected me. As a child I got to know this word from the age I was six.

I knew I wanted to be a doctor and cure it. When I was doing my MBBS I knew the cure for depression like most diseases is a balance of multiple factors. A big one being genetics and environment. Mental diseases have a strong genetic component and can be expressed in various ways. So if you have a family history, you must take care. The genetics is not in control. The good news is a good environment will help in many cases. Smoking, alcoholism, substance abuse, abusive relationship, excessive work stress, sleeplessness, diseases, can all precipitate depression, in a genetically susceptible person.  

The spectrum of depression: Ringside view

• Saw a close family member suffering.
• Two of my friends committed suicide one during our final exams and the second one afterward.
• Both of them were brilliant and good students. Quiet but never appeared to be suffering.
• Two cousins suffered.
• I struggled with mood swings when I shifted to a new place with a new job and a ten-month-old baby. For me writing, walking and gardening helped. My husband was extraordinarily supportive and nonjudgemental. I fought it, survived and promised to never let self-pity, disillusionment push me over. Its a choice you have to make every day when you get up in the morning.

All the experiences showed me the spectrum this word covers. If I didn’t go through that time I would lack the insight. One thing I can tell you, the struggle is real. The medicines will help. Your family will support you. But your mind and soul have to do the hard work.

I am a doctor and I  avoid talking casually about it. Because the word is serious. If you focus on it, the thing grows and can swamp you. Clinical diagnosis of depression is a serious issue and the word should be used carefully. Since its a neurotic disease, you retain insight. In the early stages, you can still think and ask for help.  

What is Clinical depression? (Source reference)

  Depression is also known as a major depressive disorder or clinical depression. It is a common condition. It’s also a  serious mood disorder affecting the quality of life. It affects how you feel, think, act, and handle daily activities, such as sleeping, eating, or working.   You may consider seeking help if you have any of these symptoms for most of the day, almost every day, for at least two weeks: (Source reference)

• Persistent feeling of morbidity, sadness, anxiety, hopelessness, pessimism or “empty” mood
• Easily irritated
• Excessive feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
• Unexpected disinterest in pleasurable activities and hobbies.
• Easily fatigued
• Moving or talking more slowly an with disinterest.
• Feeling restless or having trouble sitting still
• Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
• Difficulty sleeping, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping
• Appetite and/or weight changes
• Suicidal thoughts and attempts. A failed attempt is often a cry for help.
• Undiagnosed multiple aches.Multiple problems with no definite cause being found.

I have only one piece of advice to give. When you think you need to talk to someone you must get help. Professional help. Talking to a supportive partner or parent is great. But random discussions with all and sundry will make matters worse. The world rarely understands. That expectation of understanding and the feeling of betrayal makes things worse.   But more importantly, your brain may be giving you signal for something wrong with your body. Depression will affect how you think, sleep, work and feel about yourself.

Talking about Depression

• Ask for help early
• Get the right help.
• May include treatment of an underlying medical condition
• Medicines and long-term psychological therapy
• Exercise
• Creative Hobbies are important
• Gardening improves mental health

You may or may not agree, but talking to the right people will help. Must get help early wherever you are. It’s not easy but don’t make it harder. Comment below to let me know your thoughts about this important issue.