Depression is a condition that as we speak is effectively being treated and cured. Although therapies do work, we have people who take longer to respond to treatments leaving them living a life of hell. Today`s society has changed beyond recognition. Life was once meaningful and fun, and yes we had our fair share of minor ups and downs now turned from minor to major. From experience I believe depression is self inflicted (some cases) where the weak become vulnerable to their own way of thinking. If people could face up to the reasons why they feel that life is not worth living it may well help.
Sadly the society in which we live has us all tarred with depression - leaving us no alternative but to either cope or throw the towel in. Government rulings, war break outs, famine; fear of treading the boardwalk in case you are raped mugged or shot are all factors which contribute to some of our depressions. Unfortunately we have no jurisdiction over these mental destructors', however, we do have jurisdiction over our handling of situations which makes a life simple and one not for taking
Have you ever saved a person`s life, I have, not once but twice, and wait for it "the same person?"
This person was, and thankfully is "still" very close to me and alive. It was his words this night after an evening out that had me thinking something was not right. "Goodnight God Bless Kath and don`t worry I will be alright, see you in the morning." If it were not for God that set alarm bells ringing in my ears I shudder to think the outcome. I followed the orders of the Lord and went to check on the drugged up friend who had overdosed on every tablet he could get his hands on. Tears rolled down his cheeks while he listened in on Dean Martin playing in background. After an overnight stay in hospital and a stomach pump - he was right as rain. Well it seemed like he was. How did his state of mind look, this I could not see. Because he believed heaven was the answer, the same thing happened again. You have heard that saying "Let God be the judge of that, "it is he who determines the time of entry through the pearly gates.
The cause for my cape crusading actions was due to his depression. He found living a lonely life was not for him when his latest partner upped and left taking the kids. This was not the first time this had happened - leaving him confused over the reasons why for their departure. As an outsider looking on I knew the reasons, and genuine they were. He was at fault but was blind to this. Talking was out of the question, every ornament on the mantle would be swiped off in one foul swoop when pointing out the true problem. His drinking never helped, and yes he could be violent. He needed help but how do you help someone in a state of oblivion. This was the nicest guy you ever could meet who loved his children and soul mates. His nature so welcoming, so caring, so loving, so what happened? No doubt he had fallen victim to his own thoughts letting depression distort his way of thinking. If he could face up to the fact that the problem lay with him and get medical help there would be no need to hide the paracetamol bottle
Did he ever thank me for saving his life, no? In my eyes I did the right thing, in his, who knows?
Depression is normally described when someone is feeling 'low', 'miserable', 'in a mood', or even having 'got out of bed on the wrong side'. I think we can all relate to one of these factors. Doctors make a diagnosis of depression after assessing the severity of the low mood, other associated symptoms and the duration of the problem.
Anyone can suffer depression; it is not a sign of weakness and is curable.
Between 5 and 10 per cent of the population are sufferers to some extent at any one time. Women are twice as likely to get depression as men. There are no particular 'personality types' that are more at risk although personalities can be severely affected.
Stress can lead to feeling 'down' and 'miserable'. The major difference between depressive illnesses is that these feelings last for weeks or months, rather than days. In addition to feeling low most or all of the time, many other symptoms can occur in depressive illness
- Patients can lose interest in normal activities.
- Feel fatigued tense and anxious.
- Suffer insomnia.
- Not eating properly.
- Cannot concentrate.
- Feeling irritable.
- No self-confidence.
- Struggle to make decisions.
- Feeling useless
Unfortunately there is no true way like a blood test to help with diagnosis.
Prognosis is found through symptoms, and if a persistently low mood that significantly influences a person`s everyday life and has been present for two weeks or more may be determined as depression.
There are different types of treatment. Sharing your problem with a doctor or friend is a form of psychotherapy. It is not healthy to bottle up your emotions.
- Antidepressants help control the 'low' mood and other symptoms experienced during depression.
- Antidepressants do not change your personality and are not addictive.
Appropriate medication will be prescribed based on side effects of particular drugs and your symptoms. There is no real given reason how antidepressants work. Nevertheless, they appear to act on chemicals in the brain to correct abnormalities which cause the illness.
Some people are not even aware they suffer from depression, nonetheless if you notice signs to say otherwise then help them by.
- Listening to them.
- Avoid remarks like; 'pull yourself together' it is not what they want to hear at the time of you lending a shoulder to cry on.
- If the patient's problem persists, suggest they seek help. Be compassionate and understanding.
- Don't mither them or try to get them to do what they normally would.
- Remind the person that they have an illness and that they will get better if they seek medical attention
- If there is talk of harming them self or committing suicide, take this seriously because depression is known to have a patient carry out threats.
A life saved is not always rewarded with a thank you, however gratitude comes from God himself for a job well done.
Mental Health Concerns
Chronic Depression Treatments
